Magura child rape: Hitu Sheikh sentenced to death

A Magura tribunal has sentenced the prime accused, Hitu Sheikh, to death for rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl.

Three were acquitted from the charges as allegations brought against them could not be proven.

They are Hitu's wife Jaheda Begum, and his sons -- Ratul Sheikh, and Sajib Sheikh.

Judge M Zahid Hasan of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal in Magura pronounced the verdict on Saturday morning.

After concluding the arguments of the defence and prosecution on May 13, the court set today (May 17) for the judgment.

The child was rapped on March 6 last by Hitu Sheikh, father-in-law of the child's elder sister, when she was visiting their house. She succumbed to death on March 13 due to severe injuries.

She was initially admitted to Magura Sadar Hospital in critical condition and was later transferred to Dhaka's Combined Military Hospital, where she died on March 13.

Following the incident, the victim's mother filed the case with Magura Sadar Police Station on March 8 under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.

After investigation, police submitted the charge sheet against four persons on April 13. The court on April 23 framed charges against them.