Law enforcement authorities have issued a strong warning to the public, particularly users of online matchmaking and rishta apps, following a disturbing criminal incident involving deception and abuse.
According to officials from the Crime Control Department (CCD), a case was registered at Defence A Police Station against the primary suspect, Umar Hayat, and others. Investigators said the suspect contacted the victim through a matchmaking app and gradually gained her trust before arranging in-person meetings.
Officials stated that the suspect repeatedly took the victim on outings and later lured her under false pretenses, eventually committing a serious crime. In another attempt to deceive her, he reportedly took her to Hafizabad under the guise of showing his ancestral home.
Before the incident escalated further, the victim managed to share her live location with her parents, which played a crucial role in enabling authorities to trace the suspects and initiate action.
During subsequent developments, the main suspect Umar Hayat was killed in a police encounter, according to CCD officials.
Authorities confirmed that a co-accused, Bilal Hassan, who was working as the suspect’s driver, was arrested and presented before the Anti-Terrorism Court. The case was heard by Judge Manzar Ali Gul, and legal proceedings are currently underway.
Public Safety Advisory
Following the incident, CCD officials have urged citizens — especially those using online matchmaking or rishta apps — to exercise extreme caution. Authorities advised users to:
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Avoid trusting online contacts without proper verification
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Never meet strangers alone or at unfamiliar locations
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Inform family members before any meeting
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Immediately report suspicious behavior to law enforcement
Officials stressed that online platforms can be misused and that public awareness and vigilance are essential to prevent such incidents.
Via: city42
