The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Two trial courts in Barisal and Jhalakati sentenced two accused persons to life imprisonment in two separate cases of murder and sexually abusing a girl.

Court sources said, a rickshaw puller named Md. Hanif was chopped to death at Nazirerpole area of the city in broad day light at about 9 a.m. November 17, 2004 when Hanif protested drug peddling by Sarwar Hossain Saro and Kalu, two notorious drug peddlers of the city.

Mozaharuddin Howladar, father of the victim, lodged a case against Saro and Kalu with Barisal Kotwali police station on the same day.

Sub-inspector Sheikh Nasiruddin submitted the charge sheet against Saro, Kalu and their associate Sirajul Huq on September 12, 2005.

After examining 16 witnesses and other evidences Md. Shahidullah, district and session judge of Barisal announced the verdict of this murder case Monday evening in presence of the accused. Saro was sentenced to life imprisonment with payment of Tk.25 thousand or to serve more two years in jail. Kalu, Sirajul and two other accused were acquitted from charges.

In another case, a trial court in Jhalakati district sentenced Al-Amin Howladar of Manpasha under Nalchhity upazila of Jhalakati district for life with Tk.5 thousand as fine or to serve one year more in jail

Prosecution stories said that Al-Amin, developing love affairs with Putul Begum of neighboring Noikati village and alluring her to marry, took her to Dhaka on April 08, 2005 and lived together and made physical relationship with her.

After Putul conceived, Al-Amin denied to marry and forcibly sent her back to her father's house on June 01, 2005.

Putul lodged a case of cheating and sexual abuse against Al-Amin and his father Akbor Ali on the same day. After investigation, police submitted charge sheet against the accused.

After examining 8 witnesses, Anwarul Huq, judge of the tribunal for prevention of torture against women and children in Jhalakati, handed down the verdict Sunday afternoon in presence of the accused. The court acquitted Akbor Ali from charge.