Dhaka, Aug 31 (V7N) — The High Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict today on the death reference and appeal filed by Hitu Sheikh, the principal accused in the rape and murder case of eight-year-old Asia in Magura.
A High Court bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakraborty and Justice K.M. Rasheduzzaman Raja is expected to pronounce the judgment on Monday (August 31).
The verdict was initially scheduled for August 25 but was deferred. The hearing on the death reference and the accused’s appeal concluded on August 23.
According to the case details, Asia was allegedly tortured in March 2025 while visiting her sister’s in-laws’ home in Nijnanduali village of Magura. She was later taken to Dhaka for treatment and died at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).
Following the incident, Asia’s mother filed a case against Hitu Sheikh and four others. Police subsequently arrested all the accused.
Investigators submitted the charge sheet on April 13, 2025. The trial began with the framing of charges on April 23, followed by the recording of testimony from April 27. A total of 29 witnesses testified for the prosecution.
The Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal later sentenced Hitu Sheikh to death and fined him Tk 1 lakh in the rape and murder case. The court acquitted the other three accused.
The High Court’s decision today will determine whether the death sentence is upheld, modified or otherwise dealt with on appeal.
END/SMA/AJ
