KOCHI: A hearing will be held today regarding the sentencing of Ashfaq Alam, a native of Bihar, in the case of rape and murder of a five-year-old girl in Aluva. After hearing the accused's arguments, the prosecution and the defence will be heard on sentencing.

The court had earlier sought the reports as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court as the accused has offences punishable up to death. The report of the State Government, the report of the District Probation Officer, the report of the Jail Superintendent and the report on the mental state of the accused have been submitted to the court in a sealed cover. The punishment will be decided after evaluating these reports.

The court found Ashfaq Alam guilty last Saturday. All 16 charges against the accused, including murder, rape and POCSO charge and disrespect to a dead body were proven. The court clarified that all these will remain.

The incident that shocked Kerala took place on July 28. A special team was formed to investigate the brutal rape and murder of the five-year-old girl, the daughter of migrant workers in Aluva. The charge sheet was submitted within 30 days. The trial started on October 4. Ashfaq Alam is the only accused in the case.