Three Facing Charges in Sonatala Over Alleged Assault of Widow

A widow has lodged a formal complaint against three men at the First Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal in Bogura, alleging sexual assault under the pretext of a marriage proposal. Following an initial hearing on Tuesday, Judge Anwarul Islam recorded the complainant’s statement and directed the Officer-in-Charge of Sonatala Police Station to formally register the case.

Plaintiff’s counsel Nahid Parvez Joni confirmed the judicial order on Wednesday afternoon.

court filings name Sadik Bepari, 25, son of Sajjad Bepari from Satbeki village in Sonatala upazila, as the primary suspect. The two co-accused have been identified as Rhatu Mia, 23, son of Abdur Razzaque from the same village, and Hiru Mia, 30, son of Khorshed Mia from Hansraj village.

According to the formal petition, the complainant married approximately ten years ago and has two children. Her husband died from cardiac arrest on 13 May 2023. Since then, she has resided at her in-laws’ home in Bogura Sadar with her children. While visiting her sister’s residence in Sonatala, the primary suspect, Sadik Bepari, repeatedly made romantic advances towards her. Though initially turned down, he maintained regular contact via phone calls and the messaging application IMO, eventually convincing her with promises of marriage before allegedly assaulting her on multiple occasions against her will.

Events escalated on 16 July when Sadik summoned the woman to the Charpara bus stand in Sonatala, assuring her that their marriage would take place that day. Upon her arrival, the other two suspects joined them in a CNG-run auto-rickshaw, travelling around various areas of Sonatala. They subsequently brought her to a relative’s house under the guise of bringing a marriage registrar (Kazi).

Late into the night, when no marriage registrar arrived, Rhatu and Hiru left the premises. Sadik then allegedly threatened the victim with a sharp weapon and assaulted her, leaving her severely ill. Hearing her cries for help, local residents rushed to the scene, at which point the co-accused assisted Sadik in escaping.

Local citizens rescued the woman and transported her to Sonatala Upazila Health Complex for medical care. Attending medical staff advised her to contact the local police station as it was a police case. However, the victim stated that local police initially refused to register her complaint, compelling her to seek redress directly through the tribunal in Bogura.

Kavir Hossain, Officer-in-Charge of Sonatala Police Station, stated on Wednesday afternoon that his department had not yet received the official copy of the tribunal’s instructions. He affirmed that as soon as the court order arrives, police will formally record the case and take immediate legal action against the accused.