Lahore, 17 February: The Pakistani anti-terrorism court (ATC) has given a death sentence to the prime accused Imran Ali, in the brutal rape and murder case of a seven-year-old girl, Zainab Ansari. The incident had resulted in nationwide protests and allegations about the government's inaction. Imran was found guilty and was handed the death penalty for four crimes, one life term and a fine of  Rs. 3.2 million. The verdict was announced at the Lahore’s Central Jail in Kot Lakhpat.

The death penalties were given for kidnap, rape, murder and for committing an act of terrorism. Zainab was reported missing in mid-January and four days later, police found her body dumped Kasur district near the eastern city of Lahore. The police then matched the DNA with the convicted killer. It was also matched with seven other girls who had been abused from the area. Residents had done massive protests after Zainab's body was found.

Imran had reportedly even confessed to other crimes on further investigations. Imran was known to the victim's family and also frequently visit her house. The girl had gone to her Quran class when she was allegedly abducted. The family filed a missing report when she did not return and found her going with a stranger in the CCTV footage. Her body was found on January 9, and an autopsy confirmed, it was a rape case.

The ATC had done a long hearing recording statement of Imran and other witnesses including Zainab's family. Zainab's father, Mohammad Amin, expressed a sigh of relief at the sentencing of his daughter's rapist and killer, reports Geotv.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 17, 2018 09:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).