A Rangamati court on Tuesday sentenced a man to life imprisonment for raping a seventh-grader on the pretext of marrying her.
The convict is Md Faruk, 40. He is the cousin of the victim’s mother.
Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal Judge AEM Ismail Hossain passed the order, with the accused present in court.
At the same time, a fine of Tk5 lakh and three years’ rigorous imprisonment for non-payment of the fine have been clamped on him.
According to the case, from June to September 2020, Faruk raped the girl several times in Kaukhali upazila, seducing her with promises of marriage.
The survivor’s family did know anything about this until she became pregnant. However, the newborn died three days after the girl gave birth.
Later, a DNA test revealed Faruk as the father of the child.
Public Prosecutor (PP) advocate Saiful Islam Avi said justice had been meted out with this verdict.
“The money received from the fine will be given to the family of the plaintiff. If the money cannot be paid within 90 days, the victim has been instructed to have the money obtained by a seizure of the property of the convicted individual,” he added.
Meanwhile, advocate Summita Chakma, representing the accused, said: "We are saddened by this verdict. We will go to the High Court to seek justice.”
