Barguna, Apr 27 (V7N) – A court in Barguna Sadar Upazila has sentenced a man to death for the murder of two children. The verdict comes after the man attempted to rape his sister-in-law and killed the children when they intervened. He has also been fined one lakh taka. Additionally, the sister-in-law, Reagan Akhter, was sentenced to ten years in prison and fined 50 thousand taka for attempted rape and assault.

The verdict was delivered on Sunday (February 27, 2025) by Begum Laylatul Ferdous, the Judge of the Barguna Women and Children's Repression Prevention Act Tribunal. The accused, Ilias Pahlan (34), son of Abul Hossain Pahlan from Purba Keorabunia Union, was present in court during the sentencing.

This information was confirmed by Ranjuara Shipu, the Special Prosecutor of the Women and Children's Repression Prevention Act Tribunal, who expressed hope that the verdict would serve as a deterrent and help reduce crime in society.

The incident occurred on the night of Thursday, August 4, 2023, in Rodpara village of Fuljhuri union in Barguna Sadar upazila. Elias Pahlan allegedly attempted to rape his sister-in-law, Reagan Akhter. When she resisted, he attacked her with a sharp weapon, also stabbing and injuring her. During the altercation, he stabbed and killed Reagan's three-year-old child, who was present in the house, and also a 13-year-old neighbor's son who was sleeping nearby.

According to case sources, Elias had been harassing his sister-in-law for an extended period. On the night of the incident, Reagan was asleep with her young daughter and the neighbor's child as her mother was away. Elias allegedly entered the house late at night and attempted to rape her. When she resisted, she reportedly tried to defend herself with a knife. Elias then snatched the knife and stabbed her, causing injuries. The neighbor's child woke up and tried to stop Elias, who then stabbed and killed him on the spot before returning to stab Reagan's daughter.

In the morning, neighbors discovered the body of one child and found Reagan and her daughter injured. Police were informed, recovered the body, and admitted Reagan and her daughter to Barguna Sadar Hospital. The daughter was later transferred to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for better treatment but succumbed to her injuries.

Elias reportedly returned home after the incident and pretended to sleep. The following morning, upon hearing news of the murders, he went to the scene with others. When questioned by the police, Elias confessed to the killings.