Singer Noble’s prison marriage to complainant ‘cannot erase’ rape charges, police say

Following the rape charges, Noble married the plaintiff while still incarcerated

মাইনুল আহসান নোবেল

Marriage cannot absolve singer Mainul Ahsan Noble of rape charges, Demra Police Inspector Murad Hossain has said.

Murad, the investigating officer, submitted a charge sheet against the musician on Nov 29, accusing him of raping the complainant, filming the assaults and physically abusing her while under the influence of drugs.

According to the prosecution, the charge sheet will be presented in the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mehedi Hasan on Dec 28.

Inspector Murad said, “Cases under the rape and pornography laws are non-compoundable.”

“After completing the investigation and confirming the allegations, we submitted the charge sheet. The court will now decide the next steps.”

The case was filed on May 19 by a student of Eden College. Noble married the plaintiff while still incarcerated on Jun 19 and was later granted bail.

The charge sheet alleges that Noble confined the plaintiff in his residence to rape her, recorded the acts on his mobile phone, and threatened to share the videos on social media if she did not comply.

His lawyer Mostak Ahmed said the singer has married the plaintiff, and will apply to have the case compounded on the basis of his marriage.