Highlights
- HC releases full 378-page verdict on Sinha murder case
- Court says OC Pradeep was the mastermind and confirmed Sinha’s death
- Inspector Liaqat shot Sinha four times with a government pistol
- Two get death penalty; six get life term
Pradeep Was the Mastermind Behind the Killing
The High Court has published the full verdict in the murder case of retired Major Sinha Md Rashed Khan.
In the judgment, the court clearly states that former Teknaf OC Pradeep Kumar Das was the mastermind and main planner of the incident.
The verdict mentions that Pradeep was present at the scene and kicked Sinha’s left rib cage with his shoe, breaking two ribs, and then pressed Sinha’s neck with his foot, ensuring his death. The court said this was proven through witness statements and the post-mortem report.
Liaqat Fired the Shots
The verdict also explains the role of Inspector Liaqat Ali.
According to the court, witness testimonies, confessional statements, and circumstantial evidence proved that Liaqat was also present at the spot as part of the plan.
Liaqat used his government-issued pistol and fired four shots at the unarmed Sinha, targeting vital areas of his upper body. The post-mortem report confirmed that these bullet injuries were responsible for Sinha’s death.
Why the Death Penalty Was Upheld
The High Court said that since Pradeep ensured the death by pressing the neck and breaking the ribs, and Liaqat fired the shots, the trial court correctly gave them the maximum punishment under Section 302 (murder) — the death penalty.
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List of Convicted Accused
Death Sentence:
- Liaqat Ali, former inspector of Baharchhara Investigation Centre
- Pradeep Kumar Das, former OC of Teknaf Police Station
Life Imprisonment
Six accused received life-term imprisonment:
- Nanda Dulal Rakshit (suspended SI)
- Sagar Dev
- Rubel Sharma
- Nurul Amin (witness of the police case)
- Md Nejamuddin
- Ayaz Uddin
The HC observed that these six had helped in the killing, conspired, or shared common intention. Their life sentences were deemed fair and justified.
Background of the Case
On 31 July 2020, Major (retd.) Sinha was shot dead at the Shamlapur checkpoint on Marine Drive in Teknaf.
After the trial, on 31 January 2022, the Cox’s Bazar court sentenced two accused to death, six to life imprisonment, and acquitted seven others.
Following procedure, the death reference was sent to the High Court. The convicted accused also filed appeals and jail appeals.
After receiving the certified copy of the verdict, the defence side will appeal to the Appellate Division, where the final judgment of the case will be decided.
Source: TBS
