Police in Gopalganj have launched a manhunt for a local grocery shopkeeper and lorry driver accused of attempting to rape two young sisters in Kashiani upazila. The suspect, identified as Jasim Munshi, fled the scene immediately after neighbours intervened, prompting law enforcement agencies to carry out targeted raids to bring him into custody.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in Charparanpur village, situated within the Ratail Union of Kashiani upazila. The victims, aged nine and seven, are sisters from the local neighbourhood. According to investigators and community members, the two girls walked to a nearby grocery shop operated by Jasim Munshi, son of Jamal Munshi, to purchase a loaf of bread.
Upon their arrival, the shopkeeper allegedly told the children that bread was currently out of stock on his shelves but offered to provide some from an adjacent residence. Relying on his assurances, the young siblings accompanied him to the nearby house. Once inside, the suspect reportedly took them into a private room, bolted the door from within, and attempted to sexually assault both children.
The victims immediately cried out for help, their screams echoing across the adjoining premises and alerting nearby residents. Suspecting foul play, neighbours rushed to the house and attempted to force their way into the room. Caught off guard by the rapid intervention of the community, the accused managed to evade the gathering crowd and fled into nearby streets before residents could apprehend him.
The distressing incident sparked immense outrage and unrest across the village. Local residents assembled in large numbers, strongly condemning the act and demanding immediate apprehension, stringent legal proceedings, and exemplary punishment for the perpetrator to deter similar offences.
Following the incident, the father of the two girls, Sultan Mina, filed a formal case at the Kashiani Police Station on Saturday evening. Investigating officers recorded the details under relevant penal provisions and gathered initial accounts from the family and neighbours who responded to the emergency.
The Officer-in-Charge of Kashiani Police Station, Muhammad Mahfuzur Rahman, confirmed the formal registration of the case, stating that multiple police units have been deployed across adjacent areas to track down the suspect. Rahman assured the community that operational measures are ongoing to ensure the accused is arrested without delay and presented before the court to face legal justice.
