LHC upholds death sentence in rape-cum-murder case

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has upheld the death sentence awarded to a man convicted of raping and murdering a woman in Sheikhupura, dismissing his appeal against the conviction and sentence.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Farooq Haider and Justice Ali Zia Bajwa issued a detailed judgment, maintaining the death penalty and fine imposed on convict Ahmed by a trial court in 2023.

According to the judgment, a criminal case was registered against the convict by Factory Area Police Station, Sheikhupura, in 2021.

The prosecution alleged that the accused sexually assaulted the victim near a canal and attempted to kill her by throwing her into the water. The prosecution further stated that when the woman managed to emerge from the canal alive, the accused allegedly poured petrol on her and set her on fire.

She was later shifted to hospital in critical condition.

The court noted that the victim's statement was recorded by a judicial magistrate while she was under treatment, during which she identified the accused and provided details of the incident.

According to the verdict, medical evidence presented during the trial supported the prosecution's claim that the victim had been subjected to sexual assault.

The court also referred to the recovery of the accused's motorcycle, a petrol bottle, and other incriminating items during the investigation.

After examining the victim's statement, medical evidence, recoveries, and witness testimonies, the bench concluded that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

In its detailed judgment, the court observed that the evidence against the convict was reliable and convincing, leaving no room for doubt regarding his guilt.