Sohel confesses, seeks clemency

Sohel Rana, the primary accused in the rape and murder case of eight-year-old Ramisa in Pallabi, Dhaka, has admitted his involvement in the offence and sought forgiveness from the court, according to a confessional statement submitted through a jail appeal.

The death-row convict claimed that severe financial hardship, family turmoil and extreme drug addiction led to the incident, which he described as occurring “unintentionally” and “unconsciously”.

Appealing for mercy, he cited the future of his only child and the impact of the case on his family.

In his statement, he said: “Due to drug addiction, there were frequent quarrels in my family. I was not previously involved in any crime. What happened with the victim in this case occurred while I was under the influence of drugs and intoxication.

Due to my financial hardship, family unrest, and drug addiction, the incident happened completely unintentionally and unconsciously. I did not even understand how it happened.

There is no one to bear the education expenses of my only son or support my family. I have made a mistake, and I seek forgiveness.”

His wife, Swapna Akhter – also a death-row convict in the same case – has, however, maintained her innocence in a separate jail appeal and sought acquittal.

On 11 June, both convicts, Sohel Rana and Swapna Akhter, submitted jail appeals to the High Court through prison authorities. The High Court subsequently accepted the appeals for hearing on Sunday.

The case relates to the widely reported incident that took place on the morning of 19 May in Pallabi.

According to the charge sheet, the accused include Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Khatun, with allegations of rape resulting in the victim’s death and assistance in concealing the body.

Police launched an investigation immediately after the incident, and within four days, on 24 May, the investigating officer – Sub-Inspector Ahiduzzaman of Pallabi Police Station – submitted a charge sheet naming 18 witnesses.
The matter is now pending before the High Court for hearing.