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Magura, May 17, 2025: The Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal announced its verdict in the murder case of 8-year-old Asiya. The court sentenced the prime accused, Hitu Sheikh, to death. However, three other accused—Hitu Sheikh’s wife, Jaheda Begum, and their two sons, Sajib Sheikh and Ratul Sheikh—were acquitted.
According to case details, on March 6, Asiya was raped while visiting her sister’s in-laws’ house in Magura’s Niznanduali village. Severely injured, she was admitted to the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka, where she succumbed to her injuries on March 13.
Hitu Sheikh, the father-in-law of Asiya’s sister, gave a confessional statement in court on March 15, admitting sole responsibility for the rape and attempted murder. However, on April 13, the investigating officer, Inspector (Investigation) of Magura Sadar Police Station, submitted a charge sheet against all four accused.
The court’s verdict is seen as a step toward justice for Asiya’s family, though the acquittal of the three co-accused has raised some questions.
AI/MR
