Police have arrested three men over allegations that a woman was gang-raped after being lured onto a boat on the pretext of helping her cross a river in Terokhada upazila of Khulna.
The victim was rescued by police and admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital for medical treatment. Investigators are continuing efforts to identify and arrest others who may have been involved.
The incident reportedly took place at around 12.30am on Tuesday, following Monday night, at an abandoned government primary school in the Shyamnagar area of Madhupur Union in Terokhada.
The arrested men have been identified as Samiul Sheikh, 28, Majaharul Kazi, 22, and Shajahan Sharif, 38. All three are residents of the Madhupur area of Terokhada.
According to police sources, the woman had been waiting in the Beleghat area of Madhupur Union to cross the river and travel to Dighalia upazila. At the time, several men engaged in fishing in the river allegedly offered to help her cross and took her aboard a boat.
However, instead of taking her to her intended destination, they allegedly transported her to an abandoned government primary school in Shyamnagar, several hundred yards from the river. The woman alleged that she was sexually assaulted by multiple men in succession at the location.
After receiving information about the incident, police rescued the woman and arranged for her admission to Khulna Medical College Hospital. Officers subsequently conducted an operation and arrested three men suspected of involvement in the alleged crime.
Abir Siddiqui Shuvro, additional superintendent of police for Khulna district, said legal proceedings were being initiated against the arrested individuals over the allegations.
He added that police operations were continuing to identify and apprehend any other people who might have been involved.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the extent of each suspect’s involvement. The case also highlights the importance of ensuring victims’ safety, access to medical care and legal protection when reporting sexual violence.
The allegations against the arrested men have yet to be established in court. The investigation is ongoing.
