A Dhaka court on Tuesday sentenced a man to life imprisonment for kidnapping a seven‑year‑old girl in South Keraniganj 12 years ago.
Judge Munshi Md Moshiar Rahman of Dhaka Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal‑4 delivered the verdict, also imposing a fine of Tk1 lakh on the convict, Md Imam Hossain.
In default of payment, Imam will have to serve one year more in jail. Md Ershad Alam, public prosecutor of the tribunal, confirmed the verdict.
According to case records, Emu Akter was playing in front of her residence in Khejurbagh area of South Keraniganj on the morning of 12 October 2014.
The accused lured the child with the promise of showing her a fair on the riverbank and kidnapped her.
Although locals later rescued the child, the accused managed to flee. On the same day, the victim’s father filed a case with South Keraniganj Police Station.
Following investigation and after recording the victim’s statement, the investigation officer submitted a charge sheet against the accused in 2014. Imam was later arrested.
During the trial, the prosecution produced four witnesses. Although the defence claimed Imam was innocent, the court convicted and sentenced him after evaluating the evidence.
While delivering the verdict, the court said the Tk1 lakh fine must be handed over to the victim’s family.
The Dhaka district magistrate has been directed to recover the money by selling the convict’s movable or immovable property.
