A shocking incident in Lalmai, Comilla, has left the local community in a state of outrage and disbelief. A 70-year-old man has been accused of raping a 7 year old girl multiple times by threatening her with a dog. The incident took place in the Bhushchi village of Belghar North Union in Lalmai Upazila on the night of Saturday, March 8. The accused, Abad Ullah, is a resident of the same village.
Details of the Incident
The victim, a 7 Year old girl, a second-grade student at a local girls’ madrasa, was allegedly raped by Abad Ullah on February 27 while she was returning home from the madrasa. The accused lured her into an abandoned kitchen in Bhushchi village and threatened her with a dog to commit the heinous act. Over the next 10 days, he raped the child two more times using the same method.
The matter came to light on March 7 when the victim’s mother questioned her after hearing about the incident from other children in the household. The 7 year old girl then revealed the horrifying details of the assaults.
Local Arbitration and Fine
In an attempt to resolve the matter locally, a group of village elders organized an arbitration meeting at the victim’s house at 10 PM on Saturday. A jury board, formed by representatives from both sides, decided to fine Abad Ullah 50,000 BDT as compensation for the victim’s medical expenses. The accused paid 2,000 BDT to the arbitration chairman, and the decision was implemented.
The arbitration meeting was presided over by Montaz Bhuiyan and conducted by Abdus Shobhan. Fazlur Rahman Mintu and Zakir Hossain represented the accused, while Abdul Malek and Manik Mia represented the victim’s (7 year old girl) family. Other prominent villagers were also present at the meeting.
Intervention by Army and Police
At around 2 AM, a team from the local army camp arrived at the scene after receiving information about the incident. Upon hearing the victim’s account, they detained Abad Ullah. Later, the police also arrived and took the accused into custody, bringing the arbitration meeting to an abrupt end.
Fazlur Rahman Mintu, a resident of Bhushchi village who attended the arbitration meeting, stated, “The village elders organized the meeting to resolve the matter. The jury decided to fine the accused 50,000 BDT for the victim’s medical expenses. The accused paid 2,000 BDT to the chairman, and the decision was implemented. However, the meeting ended when the army team arrived and arrested the accused.”
Police Investigation
Assistant Sub-Inspector Redwan Hossain of Bhushchi Bazar Police Investigation Center said, “After receiving information from the Lalmai Army Camp, we visited the victim’s house. After hearing the victim and her family, we arrested the accused and took him to the police station. We were informed that an arbitration meeting was ongoing in the courtyard before we arrived.”
Shah Alam, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Lalmai Police Station, confirmed that a case has been filed by the victim’s mother against Abad Ullah under the Prevention of Women and Children Repression Act. The victim has been sent to Comilla Medical College Hospital for a medical examination.
Family’s Statement
The victim’s uncle shared, “When the village elders heard about the rape allegations, they called for an arbitration meeting. A group of young men brought the accused from a tea stall to the meeting at 10 PM. The jury fined him 50,000 BDT, and 2,000 BDT was deposited to implement the decision. However, the meeting was disrupted when the army team arrived at 2 AM. Later, the police came and arrested the accused.”
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Process
The police are currently investigating the case. The victim’s mother has formally filed a complaint, and the accused remains in custody. The victim has been referred to Comilla Medical College Hospital for a medical check-up.
Source: Somoyer Konthosor
Date: March 10, 2024
এই আর্টিকেলটি বাংলায় পড়তে চাইলে এখানে ক্লিক করুন
