A Khulna court has sentenced five people to life imprisonment for the murder of a visually impaired elderly woman during a robbery in Dighalia upazila in 2011. Judge Md Khurshid Alam of the Additional District and Sessions Judge's Fourth Court also fined each convict Tk 20,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional three months in prison.
Details of the Crime
The convicts are Anowara Begum, her son Ismail Sheikh alias Babu, her son-in-law Shamim Sheikh, Raju alias Raju Munshi, and Ilias Sheikh. Anowara, Ismail, and Shamim reside in Southpara, Dighalia. Raju is from Maheshwarpasha in Khulna city, and Ilias is from Deyara Uttarpara in Terokhada upazila. Shamim and Anowara were present in court during the verdict, while the other three are absconding, leading to arrest warrants being issued against them.
Investigation and Prosecution
According to the prosecution, on July 19, 2011, the victim, Rashida Begum, was left alone at home by her son Nasiruzzaman, who went out with other family members. A group of robbers entered the house, slitting Rashida's throat with a sharp weapon and fleeing with Tk 20,000 in cash and gold ornaments. Nasiruzzaman filed a murder case against unidentified people with Dighalia Police Station on July 20, 2011. Sub-Inspector Asaduzzaman submitted a charge sheet against the five accused on March 12, 2013, following an investigation. Public Prosecutor ATM Moniruzzaman stated that police recovered a sandal from the crime scene, leading to Shamim's arrest. Investigators found that Shamim had worked as a domestic helper at the victim's house and allegedly informed the other accused about the family's movements, aiding the robbery and murder.
