Arguments conclude in trial for 2024 Pallabi child rape and murder case
Photo Collected
Closing arguments began Thursday in the Dhaka Metropolitan Child Repression Prevention Tribunal for the brutal rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in the capital’s Pallabi area. Presiding Judge Masrur Salekeen opened the session at midday to hear arguments from the state, setting the stage for a final verdict in a case that has drawn significant public attention.
The primary defendant, Sohel Rana, was transported from prison to the courtroom under heavy security, while his co-defendant and wife, Swapna Akter, appeared separately after being brought from a hospital facility due to illness.
The case originated on May 19, when police discovered the dismembered remains of the child inside a Pallabi apartment. Investigators allege that Rana attempted to flee the scene by breaking through a bathroom window following the crime. Police apprehended his wife at the residence shortly after the discovery, while Rana was arrested later that evening in Fatullah, Narayanganj, following a complaint filed by the victim’s father.
Formal charges were brought against the couple on June 1, and the tribunal heard testimony from ten witnesses, including the victim’s parents, the following day.
The legal proceedings have been marked by contradictory statements from the accused. Following his initial arrest, Rana provided a confessional statement before a magistrate on May 20, in which police reported he admitted to the rape and murder of the child. However, during subsequent court appearances, Rana recanted his confession, instead naming an acquaintance identified only as “Dollar”—a wealthy individual from Mirpur—as the primary perpetrator.
In court on June 2, Rana wavered further, telling the bench he was not solely responsible and insisting that the elusive “Dollar” be apprehended. Defense counsel appointed by the state, Musa Kalimullah, noted that the defendants had provided no information regarding the alleged third party during their consultations, and pointed out that the police investigation report makes no mention of anyone by that name.
The court is expected to announce a date for the verdict once the presentation of closing arguments concludes.
0%
0%
0%
0%
