The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday upheld the death sentence awarded to a convict in a rape, murder and evidence-tampering case, affirming the verdict of the trial court and dismissing the convict’s appeal.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Farooq Haider and Justice Ali Zia Bajwa ruled that those involved in such heinous crimes do not deserve any leniency. According to the prosecution, 22-year-old Ahmed Ali lured his 35-year-old married relative to accompany him, where he subjected her to sexual assault and physical torture. The prosecution further stated that the accused later poured petrol on the victim and set her on fire.
The woman sustained severe burn injuries and was shifted for medical treatment but succumbed to her wounds during treatment. The court was informed that before her death, the victim recorded her statement before both the police and the court, detailing the circumstances of the incident. Prosecutors argued that the victim’s dying declaration, DNA report and other forensic evidence conclusively established the accused’s involvement in the crime.
Following the victim’s death, Factory Area Police registered a case against the accused under charges including murder and other relevant offences. The trial court subsequently awarded the death penalty after finding the evidence sufficient to prove the charges.
The defence counsel sought the acquittal of the convict on various legal grounds. However, the court found the arguments unconvincing and dismissed the appeal, thereby maintaining the death sentence awarded by the trial court.