Congress demands maximum punishment for accused in murder of a 14-month-old girl

The horrifying and tragic incident has shaken Panisagar area of North Tripura, in which a 14-month-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered by her own grandfather, the opposition Congress and local villagers demanded capital punishment for accused.

Accused Joynal Uddin (44), was arrested by police the next day from Nilambazar area in Karimganj district, Assam. On Monday, he was produced before the District and Sessions Court in Dharmanagar.

Investigating Officer (IO) Shibu Ranjan Debnath, Sub-Inspector of Panisagar police station produced him before the court with three days police remand appeal and court sent him into police custody at Dharmanagar police station.

The gruesome crime took place on the evening of Saturday, October 11, at Padmabil village, Ward No. 5 of Panisagar. When the child went missing, her family members began searching for her and soon discovered her lifeless body buried in a nearby agricultural field behind the house. The accused fled the scene immediately after the crime. Based on the family’s complaint, the Panisagar police station registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act, and began an investigation.

Superintendent of Police (SP) of North Tripura district,  Avinash Rai  said that the charge sheet of the case will be submitted to the court very soon.

Meanwhile, a delegation of the District Congress Committee visited Padmabil village on Monday afternoon to meet the bereaved family and convey their condolences. Later, they met SP Avinash Rai and submitted a memorandum demanding strict action.

The delegation members said, “The rape and murder of a 14-month-old innocent child — that too by her own relative — has shamed humanity. The only fitting punishment for the accused is the death penalty.” They also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, as most such crimes are committed by close relatives.