Kuliarchar imam arrested on allegations of raping 7-year-old inside mosque

Police say the alleged crime occurred when she brought food for the Imam

Police have arrested a 23-year-old Imam on charges of raping a 7-year-old child in Kishoreganj’s Kuliarchar Upazila.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in the Upazila's Ramdi Union, according to Kuliarchar Police chief Kazi Arif.

The suspect, identified as Mahbub alias Mahbullah, hails from Khalishapur under Purbadhala Upazila in Netrokona district.

He had taken up his position as the Imam of the local mosque approximately one month ago.

Citing the case details, police said the minor went to the mosque on Sunday afternoon to deliver food to the Imam.

The suspect allegedly raped the child inside the mosque during this time.

The matter came to light shortly after the incident, prompting local residents to detain the Imam and hand him over to police.

Arif confirmed that a formal case has been initiated against the suspect, with the victim's mother appearing as the plaintiff.

"The child has been sent to the District Sadar Hospital for medical treatment and necessary forensic examinations," the officer said.