Rajshahi AL leader murder: 9 to be hanged, 5 jailed for life

A Rajshahi court on Tuesday sentenced nine individuals to death and five others to life imprisonment for killing an (AL) Awami League leader Saidar Malitha on September 9, 2022.

Rajshahi Speedy Trial Tribunal Judge Mohiduzzaman delivered the verdict in the afternoon. In addition to the death sentences and life imprisonments, seven other accused were acquitted from the case due to a lack of evidences against them.

The individuals sentenced to death are --Pabna's Hemayetpur Union Parishad former chairman and vice-president of the Sadar Upazila AL, Alauddin Malitha, Swapan Malitha, Ripon Khan, Ashiq Malitha, Rakib Malitha, Yasin Arafat Isti, Ranju Malitha, Joni Malitha, and Alif Malitha—all hailing from Pabna district.

Those sentenced to life imprisonment are Dulal Malitha, Ruzu Malitha, Aynal Malitha, Sanju Malitha, and Belal Hossain Uzzal.

According to the case statement, the victim Saidar Malitha, 50, was shot and hacked to death on September 9, 2022, by a group of assailants at Char Bangabaria's Nojur Mor area in Hemayetpur Union while he was having tea. The victim, a member of the Pabna Municipal Awami League, was attacked following a dispute with his brother, Alauddin Malitha.

Following the killing, a murder case filed with the concerned police shortly after incident.

After a lengthy hearing, the court meets the conclusion today, Public Prosecutor Entazul Haque Babu confirmed.

FA