, Aug. 11 -- The High Court on Tuesday started the hearing on the death reference and appeal in the case filed over the rape and murder of eight-year-old Asiya in Magura.

The HC bench of Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja started the hearing in the morning.

Deputy Attorney General Md Imam Hossain Tarek represented the state.

A Magura court on May 17, 2025, sentenced Hitu Sheikh, 50, the prime accused in the case and father-in-law of Asiya's elder sister, to death, while acquitting his wife Jabeda Begum, 40, and two sons - Sajib Sheikh, 20, and Ratul Sheikh, 25.

The rape took place on the night of March 5 last year, when the victim was visiting her sister's house at Nijnanduali village in Sadar upazila. ...