The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rajshahi

Three persons were sentenced to death by a tribunal here yesterday in the sensational Rafiqul murder case of Naldanga under Natore district.

Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal Judge ATM Mezbauddowla found the convicts guilty under section 302/34 of BPC and handed down the verdict in a crowded courtroom.

The convicts are identified as Mijanur Rahman, Sohrab Hossain alias Bolay and Yeakub Ali. They are the residents of Chhatarbhanga village under the same upazila. Of them, Yeakub Ali has been absconding since the murder.

Six other accused of the case-Amjad Hossain, Khorshed Ali, Habibur Rahman, Sentu, Nurul Islam and Rohidul Haque- were acquitted, as the murder charge brought against them could not be proved.

According to the prosecution, the convicts in association with some of their accomplices chopped Rafiqul Islam to death at Chhatarbhanga village as sequel to a long-standing previous enmity over a piece of disputed land on July 5, 2006.

Father of the deceased Rahmat Ullah had lodged a case with Naldanga police station in this connection on the following day and after completing investigation police pressed charges accusing them.

The tribunal examined 18 prosecution witnesses and relevant evidences and finally pronounced the verdict.

Special Public Prosecutor Sheikh Zahangir Alam Selim appeared in the case on behalf of the state while Advocate Saiful Alam Shelly defended the accused.