In an important development in the couple's torture and harassment case in sector E-11 of Islamabad, a court in Islamabad on Monday rejected the acquittal plea filed by Umar Bilal, a co-suspect, along with main suspect Usman Mirza, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Pronouncing the reserved verdict, Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani said since trial in the case was now in its final stages; therefore co-suspect’s acquittal plea was rejected. 

Bilal had filed the application after both the victim boy and the girl had retracted their statements earlier given to the police in connection with the incident.  

The incident had come to light a few months ago when its video went viral, creating lot of resentment and indignation in the people, who called for tougher penalties against Usman Mirza and others involved in the torture and harassment of a couple at an apartment in Islamabad.

Reporter: Ihtesham Kiani