SC revokes HC verdict acquitting Joynal Hazari in graft case

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Monday scrapped the High Court verdict that had acquitted Joynal Hazari, a former Awami League lawmaker, in a case filed by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) for amassing wealth illegally.

A four-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice SK Sinha, passed the order in response to an appeal filed by the Anti Corruption Commission challenging the High Court verdict.

The SC also ordered holding further hearing on the appeal at the High Court.

ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan said the SC cancelled the High Court verdict after they filed a leave-to appeal petition against the High Court verdict.

On November 27, 2008, a Special Judge`s Court of Dhaka sentenced Hazari to 10 years’ imprisonment and fined him Tk one crore for amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 1.13 crore.

On December 5, 2011, the High Court acquitted him of the charge following an appeal filed by the accused challenging the lower court verdict.

On April 14, 2012, the ACC filed a leave-to-appeal petition against the High Court verdict.

Earlier on October 2, 2007, ACC deputy director of Comilla M Safiqur Rahman filed the case against Joynal Hazari and his sister Khodeza with Feni Sadar Police Station. -UNB