The main accused Sohail Rana claimed his innocence during the defense in court in the case of rape and murder of child Ramisa Akhtar in Pallavi of the capital. In his address to the Dhaka Metropolitan Child Violence Prevention Tribunal, he made an emotional plea to the judge for forgiveness, which sparked a discussion between the court and the audience.
On Wednesday (June 3), the defense hearing of the case was held in the court of Judge Masrur Salekin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Child Violence Prevention Tribunal. After the testimony was concluded, the accused were given an opportunity to make their statements as part of the cross-examination under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
On that occasion, the main accused Sohail Rana denied all the charges brought against him and told the court, "I am innocent sir, forgive me." His statement attracted the attention of those present in the court.
He also claimed in the court that another person is involved in the case. At that time he said, "Catch Dollar, I have committed a crime. Catch him too." After his comments, the court proceeded with the proceedings of the case normally.
During the hearing, another accused in the same case, Swapna Akhter, was also produced in the court. After accepting the defense statements of both the accused, the court started the preparation of the defense testimony and arguments in the next step.
The proceedings of the case are currently in the defense and defense stage. After this phase is over, the court will schedule the argument hearing at a later date, which is considered as an important step towards the verdict in the case.
There has already been a huge public reaction around this hotly contested case and all eyes are now on the next step in the judicial process.
