A court in Noakhali has awarded the death penalty to an accused for the rape and murder of a minor girl. Judge Farzana Akjhter of the Women and Children’s Repression Prevention Tribunal of the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court of Noakhali handed down the judgment, convicting Shahdat (26), the lone accused in the case. Shahdat was also fined Taka one lakh. The victim was the daughter of Maulna Shahjahan of Mridhabari of Megha village under Badalcot union of Noakhali sadar upazila.
Incident Details
According to the case records, five-year-old Asma went missing on March 24, 2022. Her body was recovered from a safety tank behind her home nine days later. Police arrested Shahdat from the village on the same day her body was found.
Confessional Statement
Police reported that Shahdat confessed to raping the girl and strangulating her before dumping her body into the safety tank. His confessional statement was recorded by a first class magistrate under section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
Public Reaction
The incident sparked significant reaction among various sections of the community in Noakhali, who demanded exemplary punishment for the accused through a speedy trial.
Prosecutor's Statement
Advocate Selim Shahi, Public Prosecutor (PP) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Court, expressed satisfaction over the judgment. He stated that justice would be ensured in society through this judgment.
Significance and Implications
This judgment underscores the judicial system's commitment to addressing heinous crimes against children. It sends a strong message that such offenses will not be tolerated and will be met with severe punishment. The case highlights the importance of swift judicial action in cases involving vulnerable victims.
