3 teens arrested over 'rape' of 5-year-old in Satkhira

The child's mother alleges that “influential people" had tried to pressure the family into silence

Police have arrested three teenage boys for their alleged involvement in the rape of a 5-year-old in Satkhira’s Kaliganj Upazila.

The mother of the "seriously injured" child lodged the complaint on Thursday, leading to the arrests, according to Kaliganj Police Station chief Mizanur Rahman.

She also alleged that “influential locals” had tried to pressure the family into silence.

The child was later sent to Satkhira Sadar Hospital for urgent medical attention.

According to the her mother, the child went to play at a neighbour’s house around 4:30pm on Thursday, when the trio asked her to play with them. They then took her to a room and allegedly raped her.

Upon hearing her child's cries, her mother rushed to the room in the neighbour’s house. The three boys fled through the back door the moment she entered the house.

No one came to their aid, as powerful figures in the Upazila sided with the perpetrators, she further alleged. They silenced the girl and even issued threats of further harm, according to the mother.

Abdul Wazed, a senior nurse at Satkhira Sadar Hospital, said: "The child was admitted to the hospital around 8:45pm on Thursday following an incident of sexual assault. She was bleeding. The child is very unwell."

Mizanur said an investigation into the incident and legal proceedings are under way.