A Dhaka court today sentenced Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Akter to death in the rape and murder case of schoolgirl Ramisa, in one of the fastest-disposed major rape-murder trials in the country’s judicial history.
Judge Masrur Salekin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Children’s Violence Suppression Tribunal delivered the verdict.
The court began proceedings at 11:00 am and announced the death sentence at 11:37 am. The tribunal also fined Sohel Rana Tk 5 lakh and Swapna Akter Tk 2 lakh.
Security was tightened around the court before the verdict, with three additional platoons of police deployed alongside regular security personnel.
The tribunal framed charges against the two accused on June 1 and completed legal arguments on June 4, allowing the case to be concluded within a week of indictment.
According to the prosecution, Ramisa, a Class-II student of Popular Model High School, was raped and murdered at a flat in the Millat Camp area of Pallabi on May 19. A case was filed by her father the following day.
Police submitted the charge sheet on May 24 against Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Akter.
The tribunal recorded testimonies from 16 prosecution witnesses on June 2. The witnesses were later cross-examined by the defence on the same day.
On June 3, the two accused made their statements before the court. Sohel Rana sought mercy, while Swapna Akter claimed innocence and requested justice.
During final arguments on June 4, the prosecution sought the highest punishment for both accused.
The tribunal found both accused guilty and handed down the death penalty.