ATC extends physical remand of prime suspect in Zainab rape, murder case

Imran presented in Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore amid tight security

An Anti-Terrorist Court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday extended the physical remand of the prime suspect in the rape and murder case of eight-year-old Zainab for three days.

Imran Arshad was presented in an ATC amid tight security where the case investigation officer requested the court to extend his physical remand.
The investigation officer informed the court about Imran's alleged involvement in seven other cases of kidnapping, raping and murdering minor girls.



"Investigations in all the eight cases are currently under way" he said, citing that as a reason behind seeking the extension.

The court granted the extension and handed over the suspect to the police. Tight security measures were put in place for the hearing.

Eight-year-old Zainab was kidnapped, raped and murdered in Kasur last month. Her body was found in a heap of trash a few days after she had gone missing.



According to sources, the DNA found on the victim was similar to that found on previous rape and murder victims. Besides DNA matches, other aspects of the crime scene also matched.

All victims were between the age of five and eight, they would go missing for few days prior to their bodies being recovered from abandoned places such as under a construction house, park, or a drain. All previous victims were also found strangled to death.

 Zainab’s murder has sparked protest across the country while citizens also taking to social media demanding action.

The public outcry has been growing since Imran's arrest with people calling for capital punishment.