Sohel Rana, his wife pleaded not guilty of Ramisa murder

The accused couple in the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa in Pallabi, Mirpur, pleaded not guilty during their defence hearing before the Dhaka Metropolitan Children Violence Prevention Tribunal on Wednesday.

 Judge Masrur Saleqin recorded the statements of the accused, Sohel Rana and his wife, Swapna Akter. Sohel claimed innocence and sought acquittal and said Swapna had no involvement in the crime. Swapna also denied the allegations brought against her.

 After recording their statements, the tribunal fixed Thursday for closing arguments.

The court had completed witness testimonies on Tuesday, recording statements from 16 witnesses, including the Ramisa’s family members, neighbours, police officers, medical experts and the investigating officer.

 Earlier, on June 1, the tribunal framed charges against the couple, formally opening the trial. The court had taken cognisance of the charge-sheet on May 24 after it was submitted by the investigating officer.

 According to the prosecution, Ramisa, a second-grade student, went missing from her residence on May 19. Later, her decapitated body was later found in the neighbouring flat of the accused couple after relatives and neighbours broke open the door.  

The police detained Swapna at the scene and arrested Sohel Rana in Narayanganj later.

Forensics reports found the victim was brutally raped and died of beheading.

The victim’s father filed the case with Pallabi Police Station on May 20.