Dhaka, Aug 31 (V7N) — The High Court has upheld the death sentence of 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 delivered the verdict on Monday (August 31).
During the hearing, the High Court observed that regardless of what is reported in the media, there should be no haste in the trial of any case.
Attorney General Ruhul Quddus Kajal told the court that justice would be ensured for all parties.
Earlier, the High Court had deferred the pronouncement of the verdict to August 31. The hearing on the death reference and appeal filed by Hitu Sheikh concluded on August 23.
According to the case details, the eight-year-old girl was raped on the night of March 5, 2025. Hitu Sheikh, identified as her sister's father-in-law, allegedly raped the child and attempted to kill her. She was subsequently taken to Dhaka for treatment and died at the Combined Military Hospital.
Following the incident, the victim's mother filed a case against four people, including Hitu Sheikh. Police later arrested all the accused.
Police submitted the charge sheet on April 13, 2025, and the trial began with the framing of charges shortly afterward. The recording of testimony started on April 27, with 29 prosecution witnesses testifying.
The trial was completed within 13 working days. Following arguments from both sides, the Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal delivered its verdict on May 17, 2025.
The tribunal sentenced Hitu Sheikh to death and fined him Tk 1 lakh. The remaining three accused were acquitted.
The High Court's decision means the death sentence against Hitu Sheikh has been upheld at the appellate stage.
END/SMA/AJ
