Sohel fined Tk5 lakh, Swapna Tk2 lakh to be paid to Ramisa’s legal heirs

The court has sentenced the two accused, Sohel Rana and Swapna Khatun, to death in the case over the rape and brutal murder of seven-year-old Ramisa in Pallabi, Dhaka.

Judge Masrur Saleqin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Tribunal for the Prevention of Violence Against Children delivered the verdict on Sunday (7 June).

The court also imposed a fine of Tk5 lakh on accused Sohel and Tk2 lakh on Swapna.

The fine amount will be given to Ramisa’s legal heirs. The court further ordered that if the fines are not paid, the Collectorate office will seize their movable and immovable properties and sell them to recover the amount, which will then be handed over to the victim’s legal heirs.

Police recovered the dismembered body of the eight-year-old girl from a residence in Pallabi on 19 May. Later, Sohel Rana and his wife, who lived in the same flat, were arrested.

The case was investigated, and within five days—on 24 May—Sub-Inspector Ohiduzzaman Bhuiyan of Pallabi Police Station submitted the charge sheet to the court. On the same day, the case was transferred to the Children’s Tribunal for trial.

Following the Eid-ul-Azha holiday, the court framed charges on 1 June, officially beginning the trial process.

On 2 June, testimony from 16 of the 17 witnesses—including the victim’s father, mother, sister, and relatives—was completed. On 3 June, the accused gave their statements, followed by closing arguments on 4 June.