Daily Times

LAHORE: The hearing of Zainab’s rape and murder case has resumed on the fourth day in an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday.

The hearing was conducted by ATC Judge Sajjad Ahmad of court no. 1, where the final arguments of the prosecution team continue. Meanwhile, the primary suspect, Imran Ali, is held on remand.

Prosecutor Abdul Raof Watto, Abid Waqar Bhatti, Hafiz Asghar and Farah Faiz Dalail are speaking on behalf of the prosecution.

There are 56 witnesses against Zainab’s killer, alongside forensic reports that in fact, point out to Imran Ali as the murderer in Zainab’s case.

The prosecution team has also confirmed that the DNA report and polygraph test of the accused have come out positive.

Imran Ali’s polygraph test was carried out twice, and both the times the result was made in the affirmative, according to prosecutor Abdul Raoof Watto. He also added that forensic examination of both the accused’s clothes, as well as seven-year-old Zainab’s sweater, followed through.

Four CCTV footages were also added to the sample of evidence against Ali, which indicates the accused, said Deputy Prosecutor Farah Faiz. The latter also included a forensic report of the accused’s videos, before making her statement.

According to the videos and audios that were matched against the accused’s voice, test reports indicate the confirmation of Imran Ali as the rightful suspect.

A postmortem report of the little child revealed that she had been raped and sodomized before being strangulated to death.

On January 11, a joint investigation team (JIT) probing the rape and murder of the child, was established. They held their first meeting on January 12, said the Prosecution.

The JIT, in the process, obtained data from people of 22 years to 40 years. Imran was initially booked on suspicion of involvement in the rape and murder of Zainab but was later released after his DNA samples were collected by the police. It was only after the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) confirmed the matching of his DNA samples that he was arrested again on January 23 from Pakpattan and transferred to the CTD Chohang.

Last Saturday, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar wrapped up the suo moto notice on Zainab’s case and ordered the ATC to give a verdict within seven days after the indictment of the accused as per the instructions of the Lahore High Court.

ATC indicted and formally charged Imran Ali in Zainab’s case on Monday.

The killer reportedly told the police in a confession that it was the “djinn” in him, responsible for the rapes and murder of little girls. He confessed to the carrying out of a heinous crime, saying that he was possessed by an entity.

On Wednesday, the lawyer representing Imran Ali, withdrew from the case, saying that after the suspect’s confession, his conscience cannot permit him to represent and fight for a “hardened” criminal.

After hearing the concluding arguments of the defence and prosecution in Zainab’s case, the court has reserved its judgment, with the verdict to be announced on Saturday, February 17.