Indian SC takes up Felani killing case

The Indian Supreme Court has taken up the sensational murder case of Bangladeshi girl Felani Khatun more than four years ago.
The first hearing of the matter was held at the court of the Indian Chief Justice on Friday.
The court issued a notice to the Indian central government, the West Bengal state government, the border security force (BSF) and the central bureau of investigation (CBI) over the Felani killing case.
The court has taken into cognizance the writ petition filled by Felani’s father Nurul Islam and West Bengal-based rights body Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM).
An SC bench comprising India’s Chief Justice HL Dattu, Justice Arun Misra and Justice Amitav Roy passed the order.
The petition sought cancellation of 2013 and 2015 BSF verdicts that acquitted the main accused fo the murder charge.
The petition also demanded neutral investigation of the Felani killing case by any other neutral organisation.
Felani was shot dead by the BSF men while she was crossing the barbed-wire fence along the Anantapur border point of Kurigram district on 7 January 2011.
Felani’s death triggered a global outcry as the photo of her body draped over the fence went viral.
After investigations, the BSF submitted a charge-sheet against its constable Amiya Ghosh who shot the girl.
On 6 September 2013, a special court constituted by the BSF acquitted Amiya Ghosh of the charge.
Meanwhile, in the wake of widespread criticism of the acquittal, the BSF decided to revise the murder trial.
On 22 September 2013, the revision trial resumed, but the accused BSF man was again acquitted of the charge on 2 July 2015.
Collin Gonzales, lawyer of the writ petitioner, told Prothom Alo on Friday evening, “The chief justice issued a notice to the concerned authorities as we demanded investigation of Felani killing by any neutral organisation like CBI.”
MASUM secretary Kirity Roy told Prothom Alo over phone from Kolkata, “We submitted the writ to the Supreme Court 8-10 days ago. We are satisfied as the court took the case into cognizance, and issued certain order. We hope the family of Felani will get justice now.”