Death sentence for two over 2013 rape, murder in Barishal

Her body was discovered floating in a canal on Jul 29, 2013

Two men have been sentenced to death for the 2013 rape and murder of a young woman, whose body was dumped in a canal.

On Monday, Judge Rokibul Islam of the Barishal Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal delivered the verdict in the case.

The convicted are Kabir Akon, son of Israfil Akon from East Kodalia village, and Jabbbar Bepari, son of Moslem Bepari from the same village.

Both were present during the announcement of the verdict, which imposed a fine of Tk 100,000 on them as well.

According to court records, the victim, Khadija Begum, was last seen leaving her maternal home on Jul 28, 2013, to return home. After that, she was missing. The following day, her lifeless body was discovered floating in the Shilnia canal near the garden of Hamid Hawlader’s house in East Kodalia.

Her uncle, Moktar Hossain, filed a case with Hijla Police on Jul 30 against unidentified individuals. Following an investigation, Sub-Inspector Nurul Islam of Barishal Detective Police submitted charges on Jan 31, 2015.

According to the charges, Kabir abducted Khadija and raped her, followed by Jabbbar, who also assaulted her. Fearing exposure, they killed her and disposed of her body. The body was identified by her brother and mother.

The case heard testimony from 18 witnesses.