Chattogram child rape case verdict set for Wednesday

A Chattogram tribunal is set to deliver its verdict on Wednesday in the widely discussed rape case involving a four-year-old child after completing the trial proceedings in just six working days.

The order was passed on Tuesday by Judge Syeda Hafsa Jhuma of the Chattogram Metropolitan Children Violence Suppression Tribunal following the conclusion of final arguments.

Public Prosecutor Mahmud-ul Alam Chowdhury Maruf said testimony and cross-examination of 18 witnesses were completed in four working days. The accused was also examined under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure before the court concluded hearings.

According to court sources, the trial began on June 9 after charges were framed against the sole accused, Monir Hossain, 30, a resident of Muradnagar in Cumilla who had been living in Chattogram's Bakalia area.

The incident occurred on May 21 in Bakalia. Following an investigation, authorities found evidence supporting the allegations through witness statements, medical findings, DNA reports and confessional statements. Based on the evidence, a charge sheet was submitted against the accused.

TZ