Trial of Ramisa murder case begins Monday with indictment hearing

The formal judicial process for the murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter is set to commence on Monday (June 1), with the indictment hearing against the accused couple, Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Akter. 

The hearing will take place at the Dhaka Metropolitan Tribunal for Prevention of Violence Against Children.

Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruki confirmed the schedule, stating that the framing of charges will mark the official start of the trial. 

He noted that although the court is currently on vacation until June 15, the government has canceled the leave for this specific tribunal judge to ensure the case proceeds without delay. "We aim to complete the testimony phase and deliver a verdict as swiftly as possible," Faruki added.

The investigation officer of the case, Sub-Inspector Wahiduzzaman of Pallabi Police Station, recently submitted the chargesheet naming 18 witnesses. 

According to the investigation, evidence was found against Sohel Rana for the rape and murder of the child, while his wife, Swapna Akter, is accused of abetting the crimes.

The brutal incident occurred on May 19 in the capital’s Pallabi area. Ramisa Akter was found murdered following a sexual assault, an incident that sparked widespread outrage. 

On May 24, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ashraful Haque accepted the chargesheet and transferred the case to the specialized tribunal for trial.