Ramisa rape, murder case verdict June 7

A tribunal in Dhaka has set June 7 (Sunday) for delivering the verdict in the rape and murder case of eight-year-old schoolgirl Ramisa Akter, who was killed in the capital's Pallabi area.

The verdict is expected just 19 days after the incident, making it one of the quickest trials of its kind in the country.

Judge Masrur Saleqin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Child Violence Prevention Tribunal fixed the date on Thursday after hearing final arguments from both the prosecution and defence.

Special Public Prosecutor Azizur Rahman Dulu told the court that witness testimonies, forensic reports and other evidence had proved the charges against Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Khatun beyond reasonable doubt. He sought the maximum punishment for the accused.

According to the prosecution, Sohel took Ramisa, who lived in a neighbouring flat, to his apartment on May 19, where he committed the crime and later killed her. The state said 16 witnesses testified and their statements supported the allegations.

Prosecutors also said Swapna was inside the flat during the incident and denied the child was there when people asked her to open the door. They further cited testimony claiming Sohel fled the building through a window after cutting a grill.

The defence sought acquittal, arguing that Sohel was under the influence of drugs and that his statements should not be relied upon. The prosecution rejected the claim.

During questioning, Swapna claimed innocence, while Sohel denied direct involvement despite previously giving a confessional statement.

Ramisa's body was recovered from a flat in Pallabi on May 19. Police later arrested Sohel from Fatullah in Narayanganj, while Swapna was detained at the scene. The victim's father subsequently filed the case with Pallabi Police Station.