The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Chittagong

Five people have been convicted for first degree murder and subsequently sentenced to life term imprisonment by the District and Sessions court here in the port city on Tuesday.

The court ordered cash penalty of Taka 5000 each of the convicts or to serve three months imprisonment in addition.

Additional District and Session Judge in Chittagong Mohammad Sarifuddin pronounced the verdict in Juba League leader Mohammad Safi murder case nearly after nine years of the incident.

The convicts are Mohammad Helal, Korban Ali, Mohammad Gani, Mohammad Anwar and Mohammad Ellias. Two of the convicts - Helal and Anwar - are now in the custody while the others are absconding.

The convicts led by Korban Ali graved Mohammad Shafi, a Juba League Leader and a trader, after slaughtering at the night of April 24, 1999.

Locals caught Helal after two days of the incident. Body of slain Shaifi was exhumed later from the foot of a hill following his confessional statement.

Elder brother of the victim Mustafizur Rahman filed a murder case with Fatikchari police on April 26, 1999.

Police submitted the charge sheet on July 5, 2000 and charges were framed on March 31, 2003. The court testified 12 of the 16 witnesses apart from other evidences to come to the conclusion.