Karachi police have reported a major development in a child sexual abuse case, saying forensic evidence has linked multiple incidents across the city to a single suspect, highlighting a pattern of repeated offences over several years.

Nine victims have so far come forward, and their statements were recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code before a judicial magistrate. The children, aged 10 to 14, come from different districts of Karachi.

Laboratory reports revealed that cases reported between 2020 and 2025 carried the same DNA profile, prompting the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) on the orders of the Additional Inspector General of Police, Karachi, to consolidate the investigation and trace additional victims.

Police said the prime suspect, Imran, along with an accomplice, was arrested from Surjani Town.

The arrest followed an incident in which the suspects allegedly abducted a child from the Tipu Sultan area and attempted sexual assault.

Residents intervened after the child raised an alarm and handed the suspects to authorities via the Madadgar-15 helpline.

A kidnapping case was registered at Tipu Sultan police station. During the investigation, Station Investigation Officer Inspector Asad of Mahmoodabad police station reviewed suspect photographs, which were shown to a victim in a prior case. The child identified Imran as the offender.

One victim told the court that on December 20, 2025, he was waiting at a bus stop when the suspect offered him a ride on a motorcycle, took him towards Malir River via Godam Chowrangi, sexually assaulted him, and later abandoned him near Korangi driving licence branch before fleeing.

Police also revealed that Imran has a prior criminal record, with eight similar cases registered against him in Punjab between 2017 and 2018.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing and warned that more victims may come forward as the inquiry continues.

Police urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving children immediately.