Ctg child rape: Trial begins with testimony from 9 witnesses, defence claims evidence inconsistencies

The trial in a case filed over the rape of a four-year-old child in Chattogram's Bakalia began today (10 June) with testimony from 9 witnesses, including the victim.

The testimony was recorded at around 11am at the Chattogram Metropolitan Child Violence Suppression Tribunal of Judge Syeda Hafsa Jhuma.

Court sources said nine prosecution witnesses, including the complainant and father of the victim, testified before the tribunal.

The child's statement was later recorded in the judge's chamber. The judge took the statement for around 25 minutes in the presence of the child's mother and lawyers from both sides.

The lone accused in the case, Monir Hossain, was produced before the court from jail.

Earlier, the court framed charges against the accused yesterday (9 June).

According to the case document, the child was raped in the Chairman Ghata area of Bakalia on 21 May. Police detained accused Monir Hossain later that afternoon.

After the detention, an angry crowd tried to snatch the accused and beat him, triggering a clash with police.

The child's father later filed a case with Bakalia Police Station on 22 May.

According to the case document, Monir later gave a confessional statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure before a magistrate.

The investigation officer submitted the charge sheet on 4 June, within five working days of the incident.

Mahmudul Alam Chowdhury, special public prosecutor of the Children Violence Suppression Tribunal, told TBS, "Trial proceedings in the Bakalia child rape case formally began yesterday through charge framing. Today was fixed for testimony.

"The prosecution presented nine important witnesses, including the victim, the complainant, the child's grandmother, neighbours and several eyewitnesses. The tribunal also recorded the victim's testimony through an in-camera trial in the judge's chamber."

The witnesses gave statements supporting the prosecution's case, he said.

"Defence lawyers cross-examined all witnesses, including the victim. Based on the testimony and evidence presented, the prosecution is hopeful that the charge can be proved and the victim's family will get justice," he added.

Mahmudul Alam said testimony from the victim's mother, several general witnesses, the investigation officer, doctor, magistrate and other investigation-related witnesses has been scheduled for tomorrow (11 June).

"One female witness could not testify today as she was ill," he said.

The court is conducting the trial very quickly, Mahmudul Alam said, adding that the prosecution's evidence stage may end if the remaining witnesses testify tomorrow.

"After that, the accused's statement will be recorded under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and he will be given the chance to defend himself," he said.

Given the pace of the trial, the prosecution hopes a verdict may be delivered by next week, Mahmudul Alam said.

"Like the Ramisa murder case, this case will also be completed within the shortest possible time and the victim's family will get exemplary justice," he added.

Meanwhile, state-appointed defence lawyer GM Zahed Hossain claimed there were some important factual inconsistencies and a lack of scientific evidence in the prosecution case.

"Nine witnesses were cross-examined today. A major inconsistency regarding the timing of the incident and the filing of the case emerged in the child's grandmother's testimony. Besides, although DNA is crucial scientific evidence in a rape case, the DNA report in this case found no match with the accused's profile. The medical report also does not mention the specific time of the incident," Zahed said.

Regarding the accused's confession, he claimed it emerged during cross-examination that the accused had not initially confessed to the offence.

"Later, his statement was taken through pressure, including assault and threats. The matter will become clearer when the investigation officer testifies before the court," he said.

However, Zahed welcomed the speedy trial process, saying public confidence in the judiciary would grow if all cases moved at such a pace.

The victim's family demanded the highest punishment for accused Monir Hossain.

Expressing anger, family members said failure to ensure exemplary justice could lead to a further rise in violence and abuse against children in society.