The Lahore High Court has upheld the death sentences of Abid Ali and Shafqat alias Bugga. The court dismissed their appeals against the trial court’s verdict in the motorway gang rape case.
The court ruled that DNA, medical, and forensic evidence proved their guilt. Consequently, the bench found no reason to overturn the convictions.
Court Cites Strong Scientific Evidence
A two-member bench issued the detailed written judgment. The bench comprised Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi and Justice Tariq Mahmood Bajwa.
According to the judgment, the survivor’s testimony remained credible and reliable. Moreover, medical findings and forensic reports fully supported her account.
The court noted that DNA evidence confirmed Abid Ali’s involvement. Furthermore, blood samples recovered from the vehicle matched his DNA profile.
Judges also stated that forensic findings significantly strengthened the prosecution’s case. In addition, both convicts were properly identified during the identification parade.
No Leniency For Serious Crime
The judgment stated that the convicts forcibly removed the woman and her children. They then committed the offence, causing severe trauma to the family.
The court observed that the incident created fear and panic throughout society. Therefore, it ruled that the crime did not deserve any leniency.
Furthermore, the bench held that the death sentences matched the gravity of the offence. As a result, it found no grounds for judicial interference.
The Lahore High Court also rejected the state’s appeal for sentence enhancement. Meanwhile, it upheld the life imprisonment awarded to the convicts on other charges.
The ruling brings an end to the appeals filed against the trial court’s decision. It also reinforces the importance of scientific evidence in criminal prosecutions.
