High Court upholds death sentence for Hitu Sheikh in Magura child rape and murder case
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The High Court on Monday upheld the death sentence of Hitu Sheikh, the primary accused in a high-profile case involving the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Magura. A bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice K.M. Rashiduzzaman Raja delivered the verdict after reviewing the death reference and dismissing the convict’s appeal.
The victim was visiting the home of her elder sister’s father-in-law, Hitu Sheikh, in early March of last year. On March 6, the child was found in an unconscious state and rushed to the 250-bed Magura District Hospital. She was later transferred to the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka, where she succumbed to her injuries on March 13. Following the incident, the victim’s mother filed a case at Magura Sadar Police Station on March 8, alleging rape and attempted murder.
A police investigation led by Inspector Mohammad Alauddin concluded on April 13 of last year, with a charge sheet submitted to the court. The judicial process moved swiftly, with the case transferred to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal on April 17, charges framed on April 23, and a conviction handed down on May 17. The trial court delivered its verdict just 73 days after the incident, sentencing Hitu Sheikh to death while acquitting three other co-accused individuals.
The High Court proceedings were conducted under a special bench established by the Chief Justice on June 10 to expedite cases related to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. Hearings in this specific case commenced on August 11 and concluded on August 25.
Attorney General Mohammad Ruhul Quddus Kazal, Deputy Attorney General Mohammad Imam Hossain Tareq, and Syed Ejaz Kabir represented the state during the proceedings. Advocate Hafizur Rahman Khan stood for the defendant as a state-appointed lawyer. Following the High Court’s ruling to uphold the death penalty, the legal appeals and the death reference process have been finalized.
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