Charge framed against 21

A Dhaka court on Sunday framed charge against 21 people in the sensational murder case of scrap trader Lal Chand, alias Sohag, marking the formal start of the trial.

Judge of the Fourth Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court also cancelled the bail of all accused released by lower courts, while the bail of three defendants granted by the High Court remains in force.

According to court documents, Sohag was beaten to death with bricks and stones in broad daylight in front of Mitford Hospital on July 9 last year. Videos of the killing circulated on social media, sparking nationwide outrage.

The victim’s elder sister, Manjuara Begum, filed the case with Kotwali Police Station the following day. Police later submitted charge sheets against 21 people.