A court has sentenced the main accused Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Akhter to death in the notorious case of raping and brutally murdering eight-year-old Ramisa Akhter in the capital’s Pallabi. At the same time, Sohel Rana was fined Tk 5 lakh and Swapna Akhter was fined Tk 2 lakh.
Judge Masrur Salekin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Child Violence Prevention Tribunal announced the verdict in the much-discussed case on Sunday (June 7). The case has become a notable example of speedy disposal in the country’s judicial history as the judicial proceedings were completed and the verdict was delivered within just 17 days of the incident.
There was tight security in the court area ahead of the verdict. The two accused were produced before the court in the morning. Additional members of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and members of various intelligence agencies were on duty in the court premises.
The incident that sparked nationwide outrage
On May 19, second-grade student Ramisa was raped and murdered in a flat next to her home in Pallavi. The brutality of the incident has sparked outrage and concern across the country. From social media to various human rights organizations, she has demanded speedy justice and exemplary punishment.
Investigation revealed that the child was tricked into coming home, raped and then murdered by slitting her throat. Soon after the incident, police arrested the main accused, Sohel Rana, from Fatulla area of Narayanganj. His wife, Swapna Akhter, was also arrested at the same time.
Prove the allegation with strong evidence
DNA reports, forensic evidence, autopsy reports, and various evidence recovered from the crime scene were presented to the court during the investigation of the case. Investigating officials said that this information and evidence confirmed the direct involvement of the accused in the crime.
After a quick investigation, the charge sheet was filed in court on May 24. The trial began with the framing of charges on June 1. The next day, the testimony of 16 out of 17 witnesses was completed. The witnesses included the child’s parents, family members, neighbors, investigation officers, and forensic experts.
The state’s claim is a reflection of justice.
In its arguments, the state told the court that the charges against the accused have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt based on the evidence and scientific evidence. The state demanded the maximum punishment for the two accused.
Special Public Prosecutor Advocate Azizur Rahman Dulu said that a complete and uninterrupted ‘chain of facts’ has been established in the case, which directly links the accused to the crime.
On the other hand, the defense lawyer, who was employed at state expense, requested life imprisonment for the main accused, Sohel Rana, and a lighter sentence for Swapna Akhtar.
Trial completed in 17 days
The verdict was announced in just 17 days after completing all the stages of the case investigation, charge sheet, framing of charges, taking of testimony, defense and arguments. Those involved in the justice system say that the speedy disposal of this controversial case will be considered an important message of the state’s strong stance against child abuse and sexual violence.
Although the verdict marks the end of a long-awaited chapter for Ramisa’s family, it has raised new questions and discussions about child safety and preventing violence against women and children in society.