Rural Doctor Arrested Over Alleged Sexual Assault Attempt on Child

A 29-year-old rural medical practitioner has been arrested in Sakhipur, Tangail, after allegedly attempting to sexually assault a three-year-old child, police said. The incident sparked anger in the local community, with residents reportedly detaining the suspect and handing him over to police after an altercation involving members of the child’s family.

The incident took place at around 1pm on Saturday (25 July) in an area under Sakhipur municipality. Later that night, the child’s mother filed a case with Sakhipur Police Station, naming the accused, identified as Hasan, 29.

According to local sources, the child had been playing in the courtyard of her home when Hasan, who lives in the neighbourhood and works as a rural medical practitioner, allegedly lured her into his room. The family later alleged that he attempted to sexually assault the child there.

After returning home, the child reportedly complained to her mother that she was experiencing severe pain. The family then became aware of what had allegedly happened and confronted the matter.

Local sources said the child’s mother and aunt subsequently went to Hasan’s family to inform them about the incident. At that point, an altercation reportedly broke out, during which the two women were allegedly assaulted. The incident quickly spread through the neighbourhood, triggering outrage among local residents.

A group of angry people then reportedly detained Hasan and physically assaulted him before police arrived. Officers later reached the scene, rescued the suspect from the crowd and took him into custody.

The case has raised fresh concerns over the safety of children and the need for swift legal action in cases involving alleged sexual violence. In such incidents, child protection experts generally stress the importance of ensuring the victim’s immediate safety, obtaining appropriate medical care and allowing trained investigators to handle the case without interference.

Confirming the arrest, Sakhipur Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) Azharul Islam said the accused had been formally arrested on the basis of a written complaint submitted by the child’s mother.

He said the allegations surrounding the incident, including the reported assault on the child’s relatives, were being investigated. Legal proceedings against the arrested suspect are under way, he added.

The investigation is expected to establish the sequence of events and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence. The child’s identity has not been disclosed in keeping with standard protections for minors involved in alleged sexual offences.