Lahore man arrested after two-week manhunt for allegedly plotting with married lover to poison her husband and three minor daughters in Faisalabad; husband died, girls survived.
WEBDESK – MADIHA BHATTI – MEDIABITES NEWS
Incident Overview
A disturbing case of alleged conspiracy and poisoning has led to the arrest of a Lahore resident accused of working with a married woman to eliminate her husband and three young daughters. The husband died as a result of the alleged act, while the three minor girls were saved through prompt medical treatment. The case, registered in Faisalabad, centers on claims of an extramarital relationship and a plan to clear the path for marriage.
The Arrest of Babar Ali
Babar Ali, identified as a resident of Lahore, was arrested after remaining in hiding for nearly two weeks following the incident. Faisalabad police, acting on the directions of City Police Officer Tanveer Hussain, formed special investigation teams to track him. The search involved technical tracking resources and a series of raids at multiple locations. Saddar Station House Officer Muhammad Ali Khan and Khanowana police post in-charge Assistant Sub-Inspector Muhammad Javed led the units that ultimately succeeded in locating and taking Babar into custody.
Arrest of the Woman
Asma Bibi (also referred to as Asima in some reports), the wife of the deceased, was arrested by Saddar police shortly after her husband’s death. She has remained in custody since the early stages of the investigation and faces the same set of allegations as her alleged partner.
How the Case Began
The matter came to official attention when the deceased’s brother, Rana Muhammad Tahir Javed (also named Muhammad Tahir in related accounts), filed a formal complaint at Saddar police station in Faisalabad. According to the First Information Report, Azhar Ali died under mysterious circumstances at the family residence in the Gulshan-e-Raheem / Sitara Park locality on Jaranwala Road. At the same time, his three minor daughters lost consciousness after ingesting a poisonous substance. Doctors at the DHQ Hospital in Faisalabad succeeded in saving the lives of all three girls through timely medical intervention.
Alleged Motive Behind the Crime
The complainant stated in the FIR that Asma Bibi was involved in an extramarital affair with Babar Ali. The two are accused of conspiring to poison Azhar Ali and the three daughters so that they could marry without obstacles. The case has been registered under Sections 302 (murder) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Timeline of Key Events
The incident is reported to have taken place around July 26, 2026 (some accounts mention July 23). Azhar Ali died at the family home. The three girls were found unconscious and were immediately taken for emergency care. Asma Bibi was arrested soon after the discovery. Babar Ali fled and managed to remain absconding for approximately two weeks until the coordinated police operation located him.
Police Investigation Process
Following the registration of the case, police focused on verifying the alleged relationship between Asma Bibi and Babar Ali, gathering evidence of planning and coordination, and obtaining detailed medical and forensic reports. The formation of dedicated teams by the City Police Officer reflects the seriousness attached to a case involving both the death of an adult and the attempted harm to three minor children. Investigators continue to examine communication records, witness statements, and scientific findings related to the cause of death and the condition of the surviving girls.
Current Status of the Accused
Both Asma Bibi and Babar Ali are now in police custody. Interrogation of the two accused is underway. Further forensic examination of evidence collected from the scene and medical documentation from the hospital are expected to play a central role in shaping the next stages of the case. No additional arrests have been publicly reported at this stage.
Legal Dimensions
The registration of the FIR under Sections 302 and 34 PPC indicates that the police are treating the matter as intentional murder carried out with shared intention. Because the three minor daughters survived, the investigation also encompasses attempted murder charges in relation to the children. The final determination of charges and the strength of the evidence will rest with the courts after the investigation is completed and the challan is submitted.
Challenges in Such Investigations
Cases involving alleged domestic conspiracies often present difficulties for investigators. Planning may take place in private, physical evidence can be limited or degraded, and family members may initially hesitate to come forward. In this instance, the relatively early arrest of the woman and the eventual tracing of the absconding man after a sustained two-week effort demonstrate the use of both conventional policing methods and modern technical resources. The survival of the three girls provides critical potential testimony and medical evidence that would otherwise have been unavailable.
Wider Implications
Incidents in which a spouse and an outside partner are accused of targeting an entire family, including young children, raise serious questions about domestic safety, the detection of hidden relationships that turn violent, and the protection of minors. Such cases also test the capacity of local police to respond quickly, maintain investigative focus over an extended period, and coordinate across districts when a suspect flees to another city. Public interest in the outcome is likely to remain high because of the involvement of children and the alleged motive of removing family obstacles to a new relationship.
Points Still Under Examination
Several important aspects of the case remain under active inquiry:
– Full medical and forensic confirmation of the cause of Azhar Ali’s death.
– Detailed assessment of the effects of the poisonous substance on the three surviving girls.
– The precise nature and extent of communication and planning between the two accused.
– Any additional witnesses or evidence that may emerge during prolonged interrogation.
– Whether further legal provisions will be invoked as the investigation progresses.
Official Position
Police have confirmed that the investigation is continuing and that both accused are being questioned. The successful arrest of Babar Ali after two weeks in hiding has been attributed to focused teams, technical support, and repeated raids at different locations. Further developments will depend on the results of forensic analysis, medical reports, and statements recorded from the accused and other relevant individuals.
