Dhaka, Jun 07 (V7N) – The verdict in the widely discussed rape and murder case of eight-year-old Ramisa Akhter in Dhaka's Pallabi area is expected to be announced today.
The two accused in the case, Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Khatun, were brought before the court on Sunday morning ahead of the scheduled verdict.
Earlier, on June 4, Dhaka Metropolitan Child Abuse Prevention Tribunal Judge Masrur Salekin fixed June 7 for delivering the judgment after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the speed of the judicial process. According to court sources, the trial was completed within four days, making it one of the fastest-concluded rape and murder cases in the country's history. A total of 16 witnesses testified during the proceedings.
The prosecution has argued that the charges against the principal accused, Sohel Rana, and his wife, Swapna Khatun, were proven beyond reasonable doubt. State lawyers have sought the highest punishment under the law.
Meanwhile, the state-appointed defense counsel for Sohel Rana requested that the court consider life imprisonment instead of the death penalty if the accused is found guilty.
The case stems from the recovery of Ramisa Akhter's body from the residence of neighbor Sohel Rana in Pallabi on May 19. Ramisa, a second-grade student, had gone missing before the incident came to light.
The following day, her father filed a case with Pallabi Police Station. Law enforcement agencies arrested the accused within seven hours of the incident and submitted a charge sheet to the court six days later.
The trial formally began on June 1. On June 2, the court recorded testimonies from 16 witnesses, including family members, eyewitnesses, police officials, medical personnel and the investigating officer.
The verdict is expected to bring a conclusion to a case that has sparked widespread public concern and renewed discussions about child safety and the swift prosecution of crimes against children in Bangladesh.
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