Barguna’s Rifat Murder Case: Minni, nine other accused indicted

A Barguna court yesterday indicted 10 accused, including Ayesha Siddika Minni, in the much talked about Rifat Sharif murder case.

The trial will begin on January 8 and continue until February 9. At least 37 witnesses are expected to testify.

Judge Md Asaduzzaman of the District and Sessions Judge’s Court framed the charges, prosecutor Mojibul Haq Kislu said.

Separately, Barguna Juvenile Court yesterday fixed January 8 for hearing on charge framing against 14 juveniles accused in the case.

The murder on June 26 last year sparked widespread outrage after footage of the attack went viral on social media. In a video clip, Rifat’s wife Minni was seen screaming and trying to save her husband from the attackers. Minni was arrested and placed on remand a few days later on charges of being involved with the killing. She was granted bail later.

Besides Minni, 19, the court yesterday indicted Rakibul Hasan Rifat Faraje, 23, Al Kaiyum alias Rabbi Akon, 21, Mohiminul Islam Sifat, 19, Rejwan Ali Khan alias Tiktok Redoy, 22, Hasan, 19, Musa, 22, Rafiul Islam Rabbi, 20, Sagor, 19 and Kamrul Islam Saimun, 21.

Minni and six others were indicted under section 302 and 34 on charges of being directly involved. Two others were indicted under section 212 and 120 B (1) on charges of hatching conspiracy to kill and helping the other accused flee the scene.

An accused was charged only with helping the suspects flee.

Eight of the 10 accused were brought to the court from Barguna jail. Minni appeared before the court with her father. Another suspect Musa is still on the run.

After reading out the allegations and framing the charges, the judge sent them to jail.

During yesterday’s hearing, defence lawyers claimed that the accused were innocent. A defence lawyer submitted a bail petition for accused Kamrul Islam Saimun.

The juveniles accused in the case are: Rashidul Hasan, Rishan Farajee, Rakibul Hasan Rifat Hawlader, Arian Hossen Shrabon, Abu Abdullah Rayhan, Syed Maruf Billah, Maruf Mollik, Oliullah, Joy Chandra Sarker Chandon, Nayeem, Tanvir Hossain, Nazmul Hasan, Rakibul Hasan Niamot, and Prince Mollah. All of them are aged between 14 and 17.

Rifat, 25, an internet service provider, was hacked in front of Barguna Government College in broad daylight. He died at a hospital hours later.

The footage emerged on the same day. Rifat’s father filed a murder case with Barguna Sadar Police Station that night.

Prime accused Sabbir Hossain Nayan alias Nayan Bond was killed in a “gunfight” with officers on July 2.

Police arrested Minni on July 16. Three days later, a Barguna court recorded her statement.

On August 29, the High Court granted bail to Minni on conditions that she would not talk to media and would remain in her father’s custody. Police pressed charges against Minni and 23 others on September 1.