Three young men have been arrested in Rupganj, Narayanganj, following allegations that they intercepted a motorcycle, confined a young man and sexually assaulted a teenage girl who was travelling with him.
Police said the teenager was rescued after her friend managed to contact Bangladesh’s national emergency service, 999. The three suspects were subsequently arrested during a police operation at the location.
The incident reportedly occurred late on Friday, 2 October, in the Gandharbapur area of Tarabo municipality in Rupganj upazila.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Nadim Hossain, 22, son of Redwan Hossain of Gandharbapur; Sihab Hasan, 21, son of Shukkur Ali; and Imon Mia, 19, son of Jahirul Islam.
According to police and local sources, the teenage girl, who lives in the Maikuli area of Tarabo municipality, went to Purbachal township on Friday afternoon with her friend Akash Ahmed. The two travelled there by motorcycle and later began their journey home.
At around 11pm, while they were passing through Gandharbapur, the three suspects allegedly stopped the motorcycle. Police said the suspects were previously acquainted with the girl.
The pair were allegedly forced into a nearby abandoned building. Inside the building, Akash was reportedly confined to a separate room while the teenage girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by the three men.
The suspects then allegedly demanded Tk 50,000 from Akash, saying the money was required to secure their release. Akash reportedly agreed to arrange the money and, using the opportunity, managed to leave the building.
After getting outside, he immediately called the 999 emergency service and informed authorities about what had happened, including the location where the teenager was being held.
Following the emergency call, a team from Rupganj Police Station went to the area and launched an operation. Police rescued the teenager and arrested the three suspects at the scene, according to officials.
Rupganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge AHM Salahuddin said the victim’s family had filed a case under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act in connection with the incident.
The three accused were produced before a court on Saturday and sent to jail custody, police said. The rescued teenager was also taken to hospital for a medical examination as part of the investigation and legal process.
The case involves allegations of sexual assault, unlawful confinement and a demand for money. Police have not indicated that the investigation has been completed, and the allegations against the arrested individuals will be examined through the judicial process.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances of the incident through witness statements, medical examination and other evidence collected during the investigation. The suspects remain accused at this stage, and any determination of criminal responsibility will be made through the legal process.
