A court yesterday framed charges against four individuals in connection with the Magura child rape and murder case.

It set April 27 as the next date for the hearing.

Judge M Zahid Hasan of the Magura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal framed the charges in the presence of the accused in the courtroom around 10:30am.

The accused are Hitu Sheikh, father-in-law of the victim's sister; his wife, Jaheda Begum; their son and the victim's brother-in-law, Sajib Sheikh; and Sajib's brother, Ratul Sheikh.

Public Prosecutor Advocate Monirul Islam Mukul, along with other lawyers, was present at the hearing.

In view of the significance of the case, senior lawyer Ehsanul Haque Samaji, special prosecutorial adviser to the home ministry, who was appointed to assist the prosecution, also participated in the proceedings.

Following the hearing, he told reporters, "The court has accepted the application to frame charges against the accused based on the charge sheet, the confessional statement of the prime accused under Section 164, and supporting documents."

According to court sources, Hitu Sheikh has been charged with causing death after rape, Sajib Sheikh and Ratul Sheikh with criminal intimidation, and Jaheda Begum with destroying evidence.

Ehsanul further informed reporters that the judge told the accused they may appoint legal counsel by applying under the provisions of the Prison Code.

When asked by the court whether they admitted to the charges, all four accused denied involvement in the crime.