The investigation into the brutal murder of seven-year-old Ramisa Akhtar in Pallabi, Dhaka, has reached a critical juncture. Forensic and DNA profiling reports have officially confirmed that the second-grade student was subjected to sexual assault before being killed. Based on the conclusive DNA findings, law enforcement authorities have verified that the primary suspect, Sohel Rana, strangled the child to death following the assault.
Investigation and Forensic Findings
On Saturday, the Forensic Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and authorities from Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital submitted the final autopsy and DNA profiling reports to the investigating officer. These documents provide the scientific basis for the prosecution’s case.
In accordance with specific government directives, the police are preparing to submit the formal charge sheet to the court by Sunday afternoon (24 May). Technical procedures, including data entry into the Crime Data Management System (CDMS) software, are currently being finalised. The charge sheet names the principal accused, Sohel Rana, and his wife, Swapna Akhtar, as the individuals responsible for the crime.
Case Overview and Key Details
| Category | Information |
| Victim | Ramisa Akhtar (7 years old) |
| Educational Institution | Popular Model High School (Class 2) |
| Primary Accused | Sohel Rana |
| Co-Accused | Swapna Akhtar (Rana’s wife) |
| Date of Incident | 19 May |
| Primary Charges | Rape and Murder by Strangulation |
| Reporting Station | Pallabi Police Station |
Legal Proceedings and Judicial Measures
Earlier on Wednesday, Sohel Rana provided a confessional statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. During the proceedings held in the private chambers of the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate, the accused admitted to consuming ‘Yaba’ (a synthetic drug) prior to the incident. He confessed that under the influence of the narcotic, he raped the child and subsequently murdered her by strangulation.
To ensure an expedited trial, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has taken special measures. A notification issued by the Law and Justice Division confirmed the appointment of Advocate Azizur Rahman Lulu as a Special Public Prosecutor (PP) to represent the state at the Dhaka Metropolitan Tribunal for the Prevention of Violence Against Children.
State and Public Response
The murder, which occurred on 19 May at a residence in Pallabi, has triggered widespread public outrage across Bangladesh. Demonstrations demanding the death penalty for the perpetrators continue in various parts of the country.
The Law Minister, Md. Asaduzzaman, informed journalists that formal judicial proceedings would commence immediately following the upcoming Eid holidays. Furthermore, the Prime Minister and Chairman of the BNP, Tarique Rahman, visited the bereaved family to offer condolences. He has expressed a firm commitment to ensuring that the maximum legal penalty is secured for this crime within one month. The case was initially filed by the victim’s father, Abdul Hannan Molla, leading to the swift arrest of the two suspects.