Magura child rape: Asiya’s mother unhappy over acquittal of 3 accused
Expressing her frustration, the unhappy mother said all three of them may do the same thing to others after they are released, and wondered who would be responsible for that
Highlights:
- 8-year-old Asiya raped by her sister's father-in-law on 5 March night
- Critically injured Asiya died at CMH in Dhaka on 13 March
- Countrywide mass protests follow demanding exemplary punishment
- Case filed against four, including prime accused Hitu Sheikh, on 8 March
- Police submit charge sheet in court on 13 April
- Court framed charges against four accused on 23 April
- Hitu Sheikh confessed to committing the crime in court
- Court on 13 May set 17 May to deliver the verdict
The mother of the Magura rape and murder victim Asiya has expressed dissatisfaction following the court verdict that acquitted three of the four accused.
Expressing her frustration, the unhappy mother said all three of them may do the same thing to others after they are released, and wondered who would be responsible for that.
Talking to reporters today (17 May) before leaving the court premises, she said she was not satisfied with the verdict, as the three accused deserved punishment because they assisted in the murder and concealed information.
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Her reaction came after Judge M Zahid Hasan of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal in Magura sentenced the prime accused, Hitu Sheikh, to death for the rape and murder of eight-year-old Asiya.
However, the court acquitted Hitu's wife Jaheda Begum, 38, and his sons — Ratul Sheikh, 18, and Sajib Sheikh, 20.
Public Prosecutor Monirul Islam Mukul told reporters that the allegations against them could not be proven in court.
When asked about Asiya's mother's dissatisfaction with the verdict, Ehsanul Haque Shomaji, the special prosecutor, said, "First of all, we represent the state. Those of us who represent the state have the responsibility to protect the state's interests. I have said that we are not satisfied with the trial court's acquittal order of the accused."
"We will collect a copy of the verdict and review it through the relevant authorities according to the rules. If advised or instructed by the relevant authorities, there is an opportunity to file an appeal in the higher court," he added.
The rape took place on 5 March midnight, when the victim was visiting her sister's in-laws' house in Nijnanduali village of Sadar Upazila in Magura.
She went to bed with her sister that night, but around midnight, her sister found her missing and began searching for her.
After a frantic search, the girl was found unconscious a few yards from the house.
She was initially admitted to Magura General Hospital and later transferred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital as her condition worsened.
She was then moved to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and later to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka, where she died on 13 March.
The brutal incident sparked protests across the country. Students staged demonstrations on their campuses demanding capital punishment for the accused.
Police formally arrested Hitu Sheikh, his wife, and two sons after Asiya's mother filed the rape case against them on 8 March. Hitu's wife and sons were accused of helping him commit the crime and then attempting to cover it up.
The murder charge was added after Asiya passed away.
Sadar Police Station Sub-Inspector and case investigation officer Md Alauddin submitted the charge sheet in court on 13 April, naming the four accused.
On 23 April, the court framed charges against them.
Prime accused Hitu Sheikh was charged with rape and murder, and he made a confessional statement before the court.
On 13 May, Judge Zahid Hasan set 17 May to deliver the verdict following the closing arguments by the prosecution and the defence.
