8 get life for rape in Barguna

The Barisal Speedy Trial Tribunal gave the judgement yesterday.

The convicts -- all local leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League -- are Shohag, Md Shahin, Zafar Mridha, Zakir Hossain Bahalan, Md Ripon, Abul Hossain, Golam Farid and Habib Khondokar.

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Twenty-five per cent of the fine money will be paid to the victims and the rest deposited with the state treasury.

As the tribunal judge Abdul Quddus Mia read out the judgement, the convicts created chaos in the courtroom, using abusive language and throwing shoes and sandals to photo journalists.

The chaotic situation was attributed to lack of adequate security in the court, even when such a sensational case was being heard. Police resorted to baton charge to bring the situation under control. The convicts were then taken to a magistrate's court 'hazat' on foot as there was no prison van.

Lawyer for the convicts former Awami League minister Dhirendra Devnath Shambhu expressed his resentment at the judgement and said the case was filed with political motive.

According to the prosecution story, victims Khadiza and Nasima are cousins. Khadiza is a mother of four and wife of a rickshawpuller and Nasima is a divorcee.

The eight youths abducted them when they went out their house to respond to nature's call on the night of March 22 last year.