Every page of this case is filled with sorrow, anger, and the expectation of justice.

The judgement in the case concerning the rape and murder of an eight-year-old child in Pallabi, Dhaka, was delivered on Sunday by the Dhaka Metropolitan Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. The tribunal’s judge, Masrur Saleheen, sentenced the two accused, Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Akhter, to death.

Before announcing the verdict, the court delivered detailed observations on the nature and significance of the case. The judge stated that when a child becomes a victim of sexual violence, assault, or murder, it affects not only a single family but also the wider society, while simultaneously raising questions about the effectiveness of the justice system. He further noted that ensuring the safety, dignity, and protection of children is a fundamental responsibility of a civilised state.

The court observed that every page of the case record was “filled with pain, anger, concern, and expectation of justice.” The tribunal highlighted that the investigation, judicial proceedings, and witness examination were completed within a comparatively short time frame. It also expressed satisfaction that the investigating agency concluded the investigation quickly and submitted the report to the court without delay. Likewise, the prosecution ensured the prompt presentation of key witnesses, which contributed to the efficient progress of the trial.

In its observations, the court stated that the case of child rape and murder was not merely a criminal proceeding, but also a test of society’s conscience, humanity, law enforcement system, and the rule of law. It reiterated that the record of the case reflected pain, anger, concern, and expectation of justice at every stage.

The tribunal also noted that it is currently handling more than 1,800 pending cases under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. These cases involve various forms of violence, sexual abuse, physical assault, and other serious offences against children. Each case, the court stated, represents immense suffering for a child, prolonged distress for a family, and expectations of justice from society. The judge expressed hope that the swift and impartial handling of this case would serve as a reference for future proceedings.

The court further emphasised that judicial responsibility is not guided by emotion but by law, evidence, and established principles of justice. It stated that the verdict was reached after careful examination of witness testimony, material evidence, medical reports, and the overall circumstances of the case.

According to the judgement, evidence from the accused’s confession, the investigating officer’s testimony, and the post-mortem and medical reports established the guilt of Sohel Rana. Witness statements further indicated that he committed rape and murder before fleeing the scene by breaking the grill of the residence. Swapna Akhter, who was present in the flat, was found to have assisted in the crime by failing to prevent the acts and by supporting efforts to conceal the offence. The court therefore held her equally responsible.

Case Summary

The tribunal also ordered that the fine amounts be given to the victim’s family, and if unpaid, recovered through the sale of the convicts’ movable and immovable properties.

The court’s verdict followed the completion of charge framing, witness examination, self-defence hearings, and closing arguments.