Four get death for raping, killing schoolgirl

The convicts are Lal Muhammad Lalon, Bashir Uddin, Helal Uddin and Rakibur Rahman. Of them, Lalon and Bashir are still at large.

Judge Nurun Nahar of the Special Tribunal for Prevention of Women and Children Repression delivered the verdict in a packed courtroom.

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The tribunal, however, acquitted three other accused as allegations against them could not be proved.

According to the prosecution, the convicts abducted Morsheda Khatun, a student of class nine and daughter of farmer Abdul Jabbar, on June 2, 1999. Later, they raped and slaughtered her.

Her beheaded body was recovered about one hour after her abduction in the evening.

Sub-Inspector Tamij Uddin, investigating officer of the case, arrested Helal after the victim's father filed a case the next day.

Rakib was arrested on June 9 following the confessional statement of Helal.

The charge sheet was submitted against seven people on October 8, 1999 and 22 witnesses were examined.

Former PP Ershad Ali Esha appeared for the state while Advocate Ekramul Haque defended the accused.