Police in Feni’s Chhagalnaiya Upazila have arrested three youths in connection with the alleged gang-rape of a disabled mother of two, who was lured away under the pretext of receiving financial assistance. The arrests followed revelations that local community leaders attempted to cover up the crime by imposing a minor fine during an informal arbitration session.
Officers conducted an early morning raid on Tuesday, 18 August, in North Chhoigharia village, apprehending three suspects: Sakib, 18, son of Monir Ahmad; Yasin, 16, son of Ibrahim; and Arman, 15, son of Anwar Hossain.
According to police reports and the victim’s family, the ordeal began on Friday afternoon. Sakib, a local auto-rickshaw driver, along with Arman and another youth named Badsha, approached the victim at her residence, promising her monetary aid. Exploiting her vulnerability, they transported her to a secluded location where all three men subjected her to a violent assault before abandoning her at the scene.
When details of the incident emerged, local village elders convened an informal mediation session on Monday evening in an effort to suppress the matter rather than alerting law enforcement authorities. The arbitration panel fined the perpetrators 30,000 BDT, attempting to settle the criminal offense locally.
The victim’s husband stated that community leaders forced his family to participate in the arbitration. He explained that his wife suffers from physical and mental disabilities, making her an easy target for the suspects. He reiterated his plea for strict justice under national law rather than informal settlements.
Local Union Parishad member Moksed Ahammad Munna condemned the informal proceedings, noting that attempting to arbitrate a non-bailable, heinous crime like gang-rape is entirely illegal. He urged authorities to carry out a thorough investigation.
Police intervened swiftly once informed of the situation, launching the operation that led to the arrests. The victim’s husband has officially filed a rape case at the Chhagalnaiya Police Station.
Mohammad Abu Taher, Officer-in-Charge of Chhagalnaiya Police Station, confirmed that legal proceedings are underway against the three arrested individuals. He added that law enforcement is also investigating the village elders who organised the arbitration, promising legal action against anyone involved in attempting to cover up the crime.
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