In a landmark verdict, the Magura Asiya Repression Prevention Tribunal has sentenced Hitu Sheikh to death in the disturbing case involving the rape and murder of a young girl named Asiya. The other three accused in the case have been acquitted due to lack of evidence.
Judge M Zahid Hasan announced the verdict on Saturday, concluding a trial that progressed with rare speed. The trial proceedings began just 21 working days after charges were framed and reached a verdict in only two months and eleven days from the date of the incident.
Asiya, a third-grade student at Jaria Government Primary School in Sreepur upazila, was visiting her sister’s in-laws in Nijnanduali village of Magura town when the crime took place. On March 6, she was raped and later fell critically ill. Her condition deteriorated despite receiving treatment at Magura 250-bed Hospital, Faridpur Medical College Hospital, and later at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. She was eventually transferred to the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka, where she died on March 13.
Following her death, Asiya’s mother, Ayesha Akter, filed a case at Magura Sadar Police Station on March 8, accusing four people are Hitu Sheikh, his wife Jaheda Begum, their son-in-law Sajib Sheikh, and Sajib’s elder brother Ratul Sheikh. All four were arrested and remained in custody throughout the trial.
The investigation was led by Inspector Md Alauddin of Magura Sadar Police Station, who submitted the charge sheet to the court on April 13. The judge took cognizance of the case on April 20 and fixed April 23 for charge framing. Testimony from witnesses began on April 27 and concluded on May 7 with statements from two doctors who conducted the autopsy.
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Though Hitu Sheikh initially claimed innocence and demanded interrogation of Asiya’s sister, he had earlier confessed to the crime before a magistrate on March 15. Despite his attempts to shift blame during court appearances, the evidence and his own confession led to his conviction.
The brutal nature of the crime triggered widespread protests in Magura and across the country. Students from various institutions staged demonstrations, blocked roads, and called for justice. Local lawyers refused to represent the accused, pledging not to assist in the defense of those involved in such heinous acts.
Given the sensitivity and public demand for justice, the Home Ministry assigned Advocate Ehsanul Haque Samaji, a special prosecutor with the rank of Attorney General, to assist in the prosecution. On the other hand, state legal aid was provided to the defense through lawyer Sohel Ahmed to ensure a fair trial.
The verdict brings a measure of justice in a case that shocked the nation. While no punishment can erase the grief of Asiya’s family, the swift and decisive outcome has been seen as a strong message against crimes targeting children.
