Sohel, Swapna appeal against death sentences

Convicts Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Khatun on Thursday filed jail appeals against their death sentences in a case involving the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in the capital’s Pallabi area.

The Dhaka Central Jail sent Sohel’s appeal to the High Court, while the Kashimpur Women Central Jail forwarded Swapna’s appeal, according to media reports.

In his appeal, Sohel claimed that he was under the influence of drugs during the incident and was unaware of his actions. He expressed remorse and sought mercy from the court.

Swapna, in her appeal, claimed innocence and sought fair justice, saying that she had no involvement in the crimes.

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Death reference in Ramisa rape-murder case sent to HC

On 7 June, the Dhaka Metropolitan Children Violence Suppression Tribunal sentenced the couple to death in the case.

On 9 June, the death reference of the two convicts, along with the full judgment, was sent to the High Court for judicial review of the sentences.

Officials at the Attorney General’s Office said the appeals would be heard together with the death reference.

Ramisa, a second grader at Popular Model High School, was raped and beheaded by her neighbour, Sohel Rana, at his flat in Pallabi on 19 May. Her father filed the case the following day.