The court sentenced six of them to 10 years in jail, four to five years in jail and one to three years’ imprisonment. The court acquitted three others as charges brought against them could not be proven.

Those who were given 10-year jail term are — Rashidul Hasan Rishan alias Rishan Farazi, 17, Rakibul Hasan Rifat Hawladar, 15, Abu Abdullah alias Raihan, 16, Waliullah alias Oli, 16, Naim, 17 and Tanvir Hossain, 17.

Besides, Joy Chandra Sarkar alias Chandan, 17, Nazmul Hasan, 14, Rakibul Hasan Niyamat, 15, Syed Maruf Billah alias Mahibullah, 17, were sentenced to five years in jail while Prince Molla, 15, was given a one-year jail term.

The court acquitted Ratul Shikdar Joy, 16, Arian Hossain Sraban, 16 and Maruf Mallik, 17.

According to the prosecution, Rifat, 22, was attacked with sharp weapons near the main gate of Barguna Government College on June 26 last year while his wife Minni appeared to be trying to protect him from the attackers.

Twenty-four people were accused in the murder case filed by Rifat’s father.

Minni, initially named as a witness, was later arrested on July 16, and made an accused in the case.

The main accused, Sabbir Ahmed alias Nayon Bond, was killed in a reported gunfight with law enforcers on July 2.

On Sept 1, 2019, police submitted two separate chargesheets against 24 people before the Barguna Senior Judicial Magistrate. Of them, 14 were juveniles.

The court framed charges against the juveniles on January 8 this year.

Meanwhile, District and Sessions Judge Md Asaduzzaman sentenced Minni and five others to death on Sept 1 this year.

The other convicts are — Rakibul Hasan Rifat Farazi, Al Kaiyum alias Akon, Hasan, Mohaiminul Islam Sifat and Hridoy.

Also read: Rifat Murder Case: Verdict against 14 juvenile accused today