The anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Wednesday reserved its decision on the acquittal application filed by Kashif Raza, the prime accused in the kidnapping-for-ransom and murder of a five-year-old girl in Batapur. ATC Judge Shahid Sikandar presided over the hearing.
Court Proceedings
The accused was produced before the court from jail. During the proceedings, the counsels for both sides concluded their arguments on the acquittal plea. After the completion of arguments, the court reserved its verdict. The prosecution and the complainant's counsel opposed the application and requested the court to dismiss it. Chaudhry Hamad-ur-Rehman Waseem, Advocate, represented the accused.
Prosecution's Allegations
According to the prosecution, Kashif Raza is involved in the abduction and murder of the five-year-old. Police have already submitted the challan before the trial court. Investigators allege that the accused, who lived opposite the victim's house and was a friend of her father, strangled the child to death after she recognized him and threatened to tell her father. The body was allegedly dumped in a nearby forest.
Recovery of Remains
Police further stated that the victim's skeletal remains, blood-stained clothes, and scattered body parts were recovered from the forest on the identification of the accused. Investigators said some body parts had been eaten by wild animals before the remains were recovered.
Protest by Suthra Punjab Workers
Separately, Suthra Punjab workers lodged a protest demanding payment of their salaries.
