Published On: 2011-03-01
Staff Correspondent, Rajshahi
A Rajshahi court yesterday rejected bail prayers of ten people who were arrested on February 23 on charge of provoking Serafina Mardi's suicide through illegal out-of-court settlement.
Gang-raped on April 4 last year, indigenous girl Serafina, 14, daughter of Cornelius Mardi of Amtulipara in
[[ In a written statement at a press conference in Rajshahi city yesterday, Serafina Mardi's sister Sabina Mardi demanded security of her family as they are still being threatened by the community leaders. Photo: STAR]]
Godagari upazila, recently committed suicide following out-of-court settlement by own community leaders who decided her marriage with one of the rapists.
Police produced the accused in the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court, seeking a five-day remand of Father Bernard Tudu of Surshunipara Catholic Church and community leaders Biswanath Tudu and Monir Murmu.
Rejecting the remand prayer, the judicial magistrate Rejaul Karim sent them to jail. Other accused in the case are Amin Murmu, Lobin Hembrom, Samuel Mardi, Jotin Hembrom, Poresh Murmu, Biswanath Tudu, and Sisti Tudu.
Sub Inspector Ataur Rahman lodged the case.
Meanwhile, Jatiya Adivasi Parishad (JAP) at a press conference here yesterday demanded immediate arrest and punishment of the rapists and others responsible for influencing the court verdict following the out-of-court settlement that led to Serafina's suicide.
In a written statement at the conference, Serafina's sister Sabina Mardi demanded security of her family members at Amtulipara village.
She said her family members are still under pressure of the community leaders who forced them to provide misleading information before the court and Serafina's rape case in arbitration.
Local chapters of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association and Bangladesh Mohila Parishad have started working to provide legal support to the victim's family members who are now facing ill-treatment by their own community.
Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=175931
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