A 36-year-old electric three-wheeler driver has been arrested and sent to jail after allegedly attempting to rape a 16-year-old girl who was returning home from football practice in Nandail, Mymensingh.
The accused, identified as Mahmudul Hasan, is a resident of Madarinagar village in Sherpur Union of Nandail upazila. He was sent to jail by a court on Monday afternoon, Nandail Model Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Mojahidul Islam said.
According to police and the complaint filed in the case, the incident allegedly took place on the night of 1 September. The teenage footballer had finished practising at a school field and was travelling home in an electric three-wheeler. When the vehicle reached the Durbakanda Bridge area of Sherpur Union, Hasan allegedly stopped it.
The complaint alleges that Hasan then attempted to sexually assault the girl. She resisted and a struggle reportedly followed. The teenager also began shouting for help. At one point, Hasan allegedly threatened and intimidated her before fleeing the scene.
The girl later informed her family about what had happened. Her family subsequently took steps to identify the alleged perpetrator and report the incident to the authorities.
Several days after the alleged incident, on Sunday night, the teenager reportedly saw Hasan in Nandail town. After identifying him, she alerted fellow football players, who helped detain him. He was subsequently handed over to police.
That same night, the girl’s elder brother filed a case at Nandail Model Police Station. Police then formally arrested Hasan in connection with the case. He was produced before the court the following day, after which the court ordered that he be sent to jail.
The incident has caused concern in the local community, particularly over the safety of teenage and female athletes travelling home after evening training sessions. Young players who take part in regular sports activities may sometimes have to return after dark, making safe transport and appropriate security arrangements a significant concern for families and sporting communities.
Police said further details would emerge as the investigation progresses. At this stage, Hasan has been arrested on the basis of the allegations made in the case. The allegations have not been judicially established, and their ultimate validity will be determined through due legal proceedings.
