Ctg child rape case: 15 witnesses testify over 2 days

A total of 15 witnesses have testified over two consecutive days in a case filed over the rape of a four-year-old child in Chattogram's Bakalia area.

The prosecution produced six more witnesses before the court today (11 June), following nine testimonies recorded on the previous day.

The hearing was held at around 11am before Judge Syeda Hafsa Jhumu of the Chattogram Metropolitan Child Violence Prevention Tribunal, where the sole accused, Monir Hossain, was produced in the court.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Public Prosecutor Mahmud Ul Alam Chowdhury said six witnesses testified on the second day of hearings, bringing the total number of witnesses to 15 over two days.

He added that defence lawyers cross-examined all the witnesses. The next hearing is scheduled for Sunday, when the investigating officer and medical experts are expected to testify.

He also said the prosecution's witness phase would conclude after their statements, following which the court will review all evidence and cross-examinations before delivering its verdict.

Defence lawyer Advocate GM Zahed Hossain said the prosecution had presented 15 witnesses in total over two days, including the victim's mother, the magistrate who recorded the statement under Section 164, and witnesses related to the crime scene.

"We have cross-examined each witness, and some important facts have emerged," he said, adding that the investigating officer is the most crucial witness.

He noted that the case's outcome largely depends on the IO's testimony, which will clarify the findings of the investigation and the contents of the report.

Expressing confidence in the judiciary, he said justice should send a strong message to society while ensuring no innocent person is punished.

The trial began on Tuesday with the complainant's testimony, and officials said the prosecution phase may conclude after Sunday's statements from the investigating officer and medical experts.