Revision trial in Felani murder case resumes

Revision trial in the Felani murder case resumed at a special court of Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in West Bengal's Cooch Bihar district yesterday, three months after an adjournment in the trial.

On March 27, the court was adjourned for three months as the assistant public prosecutor of the BSF became sick, said Abraham Lincoln, lawyer for the Bangladesh side.

Felani's father Nur Islam is doubtful about getting a fair verdict after the trial proceedings were adjourned several times. 

“The Indian government has admitted through the revision trial that the first verdict was not right. Now, a hope for getting justice has been created for Felani's family and Bangladeshis. Previous all records of the first trial are in favour of getting justice as BSF member Amiya Ghosh admitted himself as the killer,” said Lincoln.

Fifteen-year-old Felani Khatun was shot dead by the BSF while she, along with her father, was returning home from India through Anantapur border along Phulbari upazila of Kurigram on January 7, 2011.

In this connection, the trial began in the BSF special court on August 13, 2013.

Later, the court acquitted the lone accused, Amiya Ghosh, of the murder charge. 

Felani's father appealed to Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh for revision trial in the case.

On his appeal, the revision trial began on September 22 last year.