Ramisa murder: Accused Sohail denies rape, names 'Dolar' as perpetrator

In an unprecedented turn of events inside and outside the court, the main accused in the brutal rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa in Pallabi, Mirpur, denied his involvement and named a new person named 'Dolar' as the perpetrator.

After the court framed charges on Monday, June 1, Sohail Rana shouted from the dock, "I did not rape, I only cut the body. A person named Dolar committed the rape. I have committed a sin, punish me for that sin."

He claimed that Dolar had promised to pay him Tk 2 lakh if he brought the girl to him. Police immediately stopped him from speaking further.

Later, while being taken out of the court in a prison van, Sohail shouted at journalists, "Dolar's house is on Mirpur-11 line. He is the main accused in Ramisa's rape and murder. Dolar raped and killed her. Catch him. You journalists will find everything."

Sohail also completely denied his wife Swapna's involvement in the killing. "My wife did not help me. She has no fault. I am not that much of a criminal. I only cut the child into pieces. Dolar raped and killed her. No DNA test was done on me, they took it automatically. Dolar gave me Tk 2 lakh. Dolar is a very rich man."

The court, however, framed charges against both Sohail and Swapna, formally beginning the trial. Judge Masrur Salekin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Child Violence Suppression Tribunal passed the order after a hearing at 11:00 am and set June 2 for recording witness testimony.

Special Public Prosecutor Advocate Azizur Rahman Dulu said the police charge sheet does not mention any person named Dolar. "If the accused claims such things, it may come up during evidence. It is a matter of trial."

Sohail had earlier given a confessional statement before the court on May 20, admitting to the rape and murder. The case was filed by the victim's father on May 19.