The High Court Monday upheld the death sentences of Pradeep Kumar Das, suspended officer-in-charge of Teknaf Police Station, and suspended sub-inspector Liaqat Ali for killing retired army major Sinha Mohammad Rashed Khan. The court also upheld the life imprisonment sentences of six other accused.
The verdict was delivered by a High Court bench comprising Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman and Justice Md Saqir Hossain, following hearings on the death reference and appeals filed by the convicts.
The six individuals whose life sentences were upheld are: former Sub-Inspector Nandadulal Rakshit, constables Rubel Sharma and Sagar Dev, and civilians Nurul Amin, Mohammad Iayaz, and Md Nizam Uddin — all of whom are residents of Marishbunia village in Baharchhara, Cox’s Bazar.
The incident occurred on the night of July 31, 2020, when Major (Retd.) Sinha was shot dead at a police checkpoint in Shamlapur, along the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf Marine Drive. The case drew nationwide attention and public outcry over extrajudicial killings and abuse of power by law enforcement.
On January 31, 2022, the Cox’s Bazar District and Sessions Judge’s Court delivered its verdict, sentencing Pradeep and Liaqat to death and the remaining six accused to life imprisonment.
As per legal procedure, a death sentence issued by a lower court requires approval from the High Court before it can be carried out, known as a “death reference.” In addition, the convicts have the right to file appeals and jail petitions against their convictions.
Following the lower court’s verdict, all relevant documents reached the High Court in February 2022, and the case was formally registered as a death reference the same year. The convicts also filed their respective appeals in 2022.
Preparation of the paperbook — a comprehensive case summary — and other procedural formalities were completed before the Chief Justice assigned the case to the current bench for hearing and disposal.
Hearings began on April 23, 2025, and concluded on May 29, 2025. The court then fixed June 2 for the verdict, which was delivered Monday.
This judgment marks a significant step in ensuring accountability in high-profile cases involving law enforcement personnel.