Background of the case
In October 2024, the remains of a six‑year‑old girl were found inside an abandoned warehouse located in the Daladabari area of Jaigaon, Alipurduar. Police soon identified the child's neighbours as the chief suspects in what investigators described as a vicious rape followed by murder.
Investigation and arrests
The probe revealed a premeditated kidnapping, with the principal accused allegedly luring the child under false pretences. Critical evidence—including surveillance video, forensic reports, and DNA testing—underpinned the investigation. Consequently, Bablu Mian was apprehended first, with Zaidul Islam, Manir Hussain and Majibul Sheikh arrested thereafter.
Authorities recorded statements from twenty‑two witnesses, which bolstered the material evidence and confirmed the participation of all four men.
Trial proceedings and verdict
The fast‑track court examined the case for roughly eighteen months before delivering its judgment. Prosecutor Debaranjan Bandyopadhyay had urged the bench to impose the severest punishments permissible under the law.
Finding the evidentiary record against the quartet compelling, the court sentenced Bablu Mian to death. The remaining three co‑accused—Zaidul Islam, Manir Hussain and Majibul Sheikh—were each handed life imprisonment. The court rejected the prosecution’s claim that the victim’s body had been incinerated, noting that the allegation could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Beyond the custodial penalties, the state government was directed to pay a compensation sum of ₹6 lakh to the bereaved family. The victim’s mother expressed that the family had hoped for the harshest possible sanction.
While this judgment concludes the fast‑track court’s trial, the convicted individuals retain the right to appeal the decision before higher courts.
