Two sentenced to life for killing trader after mugging him 15 years ago
In addition to the life sentence, each convict was fined Tk10,000, with a further six months' imprisonment in default of payment.
A Dhaka court has sentenced two robbers to life imprisonment in a case over the murder of trader Md Chunnu Mia following a mugging in the capital's Gendaria area 15 years ago.
Dhaka's 9th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mahmudul Islam delivered the verdict today (30 July).
The convicts are Md Mamun and Babu, alias Bagha Babu, while proceedings against another accused, Sajib, were dropped following his death during the trial.
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In addition to the life sentence, each convict was fined Tk10,000, with a further six months' imprisonment in default of payment.
Confirming the verdict, State Prosecutor Aminul Islam Sarkar said the court issued warrants of conviction and arrest against the accused as they were absconding when the judgment was delivered.
He expressed satisfaction with the verdict and said the court also sentenced them to five years' imprisonment and fined them Tk5,000 each for robbery.
According to the case statement, Chunnu Mia, a vegetable trader, ran a wholesale produce business at Shyambazar in Gendaria.
On the night of 15 February 2011, he went to the Jatrabari wholesale market to buy vegetables. After purchasing a sack of aubergines, he set off for Shyambazar by rickshaw.
At around 5am, when he reached the Katherpul area under Gendaria Police Station, the accused stopped his rickshaw and attempted to rob him of his money.
According to the prosecution, Chunnu Mia told the assailants that he recognised them. After hearing this, accused Sajib stabbed him.
Police from Gendaria Police Station rescued him and took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The following day, Chunnu Mia's brother-in-law, Md Jahangir, filed a case with Gendaria Police Station over the murder following the mugging.
After completing the investigation, Sub-Inspector Moniruzzaman of Gendaria Police Station submitted the charge sheet against Sajib, Mamun and Bagha Babu on 14 June 2011.
On 7 August the same year, the court framed charges against the accused and ordered the trial to begin.
During the trial, the court recorded testimony from 12 of the 19 prosecution witnesses.
