In a significant ruling from Rawalpindi, an additional district and sessions judge (ADSJ) in Taxila has delivered a stern verdict, sentencing a couple to a cumulative 34 years of imprisonment for the heinous murder of their newborn baby girl and associated criminal acts. The judgment, pronounced on Thursday, underscores the judiciary's firm stance against such grave offences.
Details of the Conviction and Sentencing
ADSJ Farhan Mudassar found Zulfiqar Mehmood and Areeba Imran guilty of killing their newborn baby in the Darbar-e-Karimi locality of Wah Cantt on February 12, 2023. The court imposed multiple sentences under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), reflecting the severity of the crimes.
Sentences for Zulfiqar Mehmood
The judge awarded Zulfiqar 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under section 302 (c) of the PPC, which pertains to actions leading to intentional murder. Additionally, he received five years of simple imprisonment under section 496-b (2) of the PPC for willful sexual intercourse between unmarried individuals. A fine of Rs 10,000 was also imposed, with a stipulation of 15 days of further jail time in case of default, and authorities are to recover this fine as arrears of land revenue.
Furthermore, Zulfiqar was convicted under section 329 of the PPC for concealment of birth by secret disposal of a dead body, along with section 109 for abetment. For these offences, he was sentenced to two years of simple imprisonment and fined Rs 30,000. Non-payment of this fine will result in an additional two months of imprisonment, with recovery again handled as land revenue arrears.
Sentences for Areeba Imran
Areeba Imran faced similar convictions for the same offences and was awarded identical sentences by the court, ensuring equal accountability under the law.
Background of the Case
According to the FIR lodged by a sub-inspector from the Sadar Wah police station, authorities received information about a newborn baby girl abandoned by unknown parents in an abandoned plot within the Darbar-e-Karimi area. Upon investigation, police discovered the baby alive but with severe injuries to her head and body. She was immediately shifted to Tehsil Headquarter Hospital in Taxila, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
Police investigations revealed that Areeba, who was unmarried, had given birth to the baby after developing an illicit relationship with Zulfiqar, her married neighbour with three children. DNA testing conclusively matched the couple to the baby girl, providing irrefutable evidence that led to their prosecution and conviction.
The couple admitted to Wah police that they abandoned the baby to conceal her birth and their illicit relationship, highlighting the premeditated nature of their actions. This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for such brutal crimes in Pakistan.
