The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has decided to hold fresh trial of constable Amiya Ghosh in the Felani killing case. On September 6, the BSF court of inquiry in its verdict found the accused not guilty, drawing widespread condemnations both in Bangladesh and India. “The Competent Authority of Border Security Force has decided to hold a Revision Trial in Ms. Felani Khatun death case,” said a BSF press release forwarded to journalists by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Friday.
“On 07.01.2011, Ms Felani Khatun died on Indo-Bangladesh International Border in the area of Border Out Post Choudharyhat, Coochbehar, West Bengal due to firing by constable Amiya Ghosh of 181 Bn BSF,” it said.
“A General Security Force Court (GSFC) trial against Amiya Ghosh was held on a charge under section – 46 Bn BSF Act- 1968 for alleged killing of the Bangladeshi girl,” said the release issued in New Delhi dated September 13, 2013.
“The trial court found the accused Ct Amiya Ghosh ‘Not Guilty’ and pronounced findings on 06.09.2013,” it said.
“As per BSF Act and Rules, proceedings were reviewed by legal experts. The Competent Authority has not agreed with the findings of Court and has decided to hold Revision Trial in the instant case,” it added.
Following the verdict acquitting the accused, there has been huge public outcry across the country. Felani’s father Nurul Islam rejected the verdict and vowed to take the matter to the International court. He also sent a communication to the Indian High Commission seeking justice and compensation for her daughter.
National Human Rights Commission Chairman Dr Mizanur Rahman has said the judgment is disrespect to the international law.
Describing the verdict as unacceptable, he said the judgement is nothing but “a travesty of justice”.
On Monday, the Foreign Ministry, in a formal communication, expressed ‘utter frustration’ to New Delhi over the acquittal of the BSF member.
In a note verbale, Dhaka expressed its hope that justice would prevail.
Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni told a press conference on Thursday that Bangladesh would definitely appeal against the verdict if justice was not finally delivered.
The 15-year old Felani was shot dead on January 7, 2011, while reportedly scaling the barbed wire fences along with her father. She was returning home from India.
The picture of her body hanging at the top of the fence shocked and outraged people of Bangladesh as well as the world.
Following pressure from the Bangladesh government and human rights organizations, the Indian authorities started the trial on August 13 in Coochbehar in which Felani’s father Nurul Islam also testified.
-With The Independent input
