The hearing on the death reference and appeals of the convicts in the murder case of former army officer Major Mohammad Rashed Khan Sinha, who was shot dead by police in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, has commenced in the High Court.

On Wednesday (April 23), the hearing began in a High Court division bench led by Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman and Justice Md Saqir Hossain. Deputy Attorney General Shamima Sultana, appearing on behalf of the state, began reading out the case documents (paper book).

Following the instructions of the Chief Justice, the case was sent to this bench for prompt disposal.

On the night of July 31, 2020, Major (Retd.) Sinha was shot dead by police at the Shamlapur checkpoint on the Marine Drive road in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar. The verdict in the case was delivered on January 31, 2022, by the Cox's Bazar District and Sessions Judge Court.

In the verdict, two individuals were sentenced to death, six were given life imprisonment, and seven were acquitted.

Sentenced to Death:

• Dismissed Inspector Liaqat Ali of Baharchhara Investigation Center

• Dismissed Officer-in-Charge (OC) Pradeep Kumar Das of Teknaf Police Station

Sentenced to Life Imprisonment:

• Dismissed Sub-Inspector Nanda Dulal Rakshit

• Police constables Sagar Dev and Rubel Sharma

• Three residents of the Shamlapur area—Nurul Amin, Md. Nezamuddin, and Ayaz Uddin—who had served as police witnesses in the case

According to the law, verdicts involving the death penalty must be sent to the High Court for approval as a death reference. At the same time, the convicted individuals have filed appeals and jail appeals, which are currently under hearing.