All eyes are on the Dhaka Metropolitan Children Violence Suppression Tribunal, which is set to deliver a rare fast-track verdict in the high-profile rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Pallabi of the capital today.
Judge Masrur Salekin is expected to announce the ruling at 11am – 19 days after the murder.
The court fixed the verdict date following the conclusion of hearings last Thursday, when both the prosecution and defence presented their final arguments.
The girl’s mutilated body was recovered on 19 May from a flat in Pallabi. The flat’s resident, the main accused Sohel Rana, allegedly fled through the bathroom grill immediately after the incident. His wife, Swapna Akter, was detained at the flat on the same day.
Later that evening, Sohel Rana was arrested in Fatulla, Narayanganj. The victim’s father filed a case at Pallabi police station.
On 20 May, Sohel Rana and Swapna Akter gave confessional statements before Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Aminul Islam Junaid. The tribunal formally framed charges against them on 1 June, beginning the trial. After the charges were read, witness testimonies were recorded, and both accused presented their defense before final arguments were heard.
A total of 16 witnesses, including the victim’s parents and elder sister, testified against Sohel Rana and Swapna Akter during the trial.
The horrifying case sparked widespread outrage on social media, prompting authorities to expedite the investigation and ensure a swift trial.
Following the murder of the child, Prime Minister and Home Minister personally visited the family’s home. Within five days, the investigation report was submitted to the court. The Law Minister had also previously announced the date for the commencement of the trial.
