New Delhi: In a few minutes from now, a special court in Pathankot is likely to deliver its verdict in the infamous case of the rape and murder of an eight-year-old nomadic girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua.

The brutal crime in January last year had sparked nationwide protests and international condemnation. Charges of rape and murder were framed against seven of the eight accused in the case, with one of them pleading that he is a juvenile. The accused, if convicted, would face a minimum sentence of life imprisonment and a maximum of death penalty.

Who are the Accused?

Sanji Ram, 60

Ram is a retired revenue official. He is alleged to be the main conspirator who incited his nephew, an alleged minor, to abduct the eight-year-old girl as revenge from the Bakarwals. He allegedly incited the boy by reminding him of an ‘insult’ meted out to him by the nomadic community.

The minor was allegedly the one who arranged to keep the eight-year-old locked up inside the temple where she was abducted and raped.

Sanji Ram's nephew, 15

The minor boy was allegedly incited to commit the abduction and rape as revenge on the Bakarwal community. Ram’s nephew is alleged to have raped, strangulated and smashed the girl’s face with a stone.

Parvesh Kumar, alias Mannu

Kumar is a friend of Ram’s nephew and is alleged to have played a critical role in the abduction and gang-rape by helping the minor.

Vishal Jangotra

Jangotra is Sanji Ram's son who was studying in Meerut. He is accused to have raped the girl along with Ramji's minor nephew. The nephew had allegedly called Jangotra to the temple in case he wanted to 'satisfy his lust'.

Deepak Khajuria

A special police officer who allegedly raped the eight-year-old 'one more time before she was killed'.

Sub-inspector Anand Dutta and head constable Tilak Raj

They allegedly tried to destroy evidence and are also said to have washed the girl's dress to help the accused avoid arrest.

Surinder Kumar

A special police officer, witnesses have reportedly confirmed seeing Singh at the scene of the crime.