Man sentenced to life term for rape in Meherpur

MEHERPUR, Aug 23: Judge Ali Masud Sheikh of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal of Meherpur on Sunday sentenced Kalimuddin Kalu, a member of Pirojpur Union Parishad, to life imprisonment and also fined him Tk 5 lakh, in default, to serve another one year rigorous imprisonment, for raping a disabled woman.

The court ordered that, under Section 16 of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000, the movable and immovable property of the convict be auctioned by the deputy commissioner. The proceeds will be deposited with the tribunal and later paid to the victim.

According to the case documents, Kalu entered the victim's room at about 8:30 pm on Dec 18, 2023, and raped her. He fled after she screamed and threatened her not to disclose the incident.

The victim's mother filed the case with Meherpur Sadar Police Station on Dec 21, 2023. After investigation, police submitted a charge-sheet against Kalu.

DNA tests conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department found evidence linking the accused to the incident, according to court sources. Thirteen witnesses testified during the trial.

After the verdict, Kalu fell ill on the court premises and was taken to Meherpur General Hospital.