14-year-old ‘gang-raped’ in Khagrachhari, 4 arrested

Two of the accused still remain at large

Police have arrested four people for allegedly gang-raping an eighth-grader after a case was filed in Khagrachhari.

On Wednesday night, the father of the 14-year-old survivor filed a case against six individuals at the Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station, according to officials.

Around 3am, police conducted a raid and arrested four of the accused, said Arofin Jewel, superintendent of police in Khagrachhari.

The arrested men were identified as Arman Hossain, 32, Emon Hossain, 25, Enayet Hossain, 35, and Saddam Hossain, 32 - all residents of Bhaibonchara Union in Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila.

Two other suspects, Md Sohel Islam, 23, and Md Munir Islam, 29, remain at large.

According to the case dossier, the girl had slept over at a relative’s home on the night of Jun 27, after attending the Rath Yatra fair.

Later in the night, six men forcibly entered the house, tied up the relative, and “gang-raped” the girl.

Family members of the victim said the girl initially did not disclose what had happened due to fear and social stigma.

However, she became mentally distressed and attempted suicide by consuming poison on Jul 12.

She was admitted to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital in critical condition.

After regaining consciousness, the girl informed her family about the incident when they questioned her.

She remains at the hospital under treatment.

Ripol Bappi Chakma, a resident doctor at Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital, said: “The student’s condition is serious and she is mentally disturbed. She is being given the necessary treatment.”

Jewel said, “We arrested four suspects immediately after the case was filed. Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining two. The victim is now in the hospital, her statement will be recorded today (Thursday).”