In Fatullah, Narayanganj, a college student was allegedly gang-raped after her husband was detained, tortured, and threatened using a recorded video of the incident. The police accepted the case only after eight days, raising serious concerns about law enforcement’s negligence and delays in justice.
Incident Details
According to local sources and the victim’s family, the incident took place on the night of February 18, 2025, at around 12:30 AM in the Purbo Lamapara area of Fatullah, Narayanganj. As per allegations, Nazmul (25), son of Monir from Lamapara, and his friend Rony (25) abducted the victim’s husband from outside their home and took him to an undisclosed location. They snatched his phone, brutally assaulted him, and recorded a video of the abuse. Later, they used the video to threaten the victim before taking turns raping her.
The victim is a twelfth-grade student at Narayanganj Government Women’s College and also works at a local garment factory. Her husband is employed at another garment factory. The couple had married on January 10, 2025, against their families’ wishes and were living separately in rented houses.
Identity of the Accused and Delay in Filing the Case
The victim and her husband claim that they went to the police station immediately after the incident and filed a written complaint, requesting a medical examination. However, the police did not take their complaint seriously and made them wait for hours. The case was finally registered on the night of February 26, after an eight-day delay.
In a report by BDNews24 (February 26, 2025), the victim’s husband stated, “We filed a written complaint that very night and asked for a medical examination. But the police didn’t listen to us. They told us that the Officer-in-Charge (OC) was not available and took no legal action.”
Meanwhile, according to Kaler Kantho (February 26, 2025), the police not only delayed filing the case but also advised the victim to settle the matter informally, raising concerns about their responsibility in handling such cases.
Victim’s Husband’s Statement and Police Negligence
The victim’s husband further explained, “My wife was feeling unwell, so I went to her house to give her medicine. As soon as I stepped outside, the house owner’s son and his friends grabbed me. They took my phone, beat me severely, and recorded the assault.”
He continued, “I somehow escaped and called 999 from a friend’s phone. When I reached my wife’s place, I found her unconscious. The police arrived, but they did not file a case.”
Police Response
Efforts to contact Fatullah Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shariful Islam were unsuccessful, as he repeatedly disconnected calls and ignored text messages.
However, Narayanganj District Superintendent of Police (SP) Pratyush Kumar Majumdar stated, “I was informed about a rape case last night. If there was any delay in filing the case or conducting a medical examination, strict action will be taken.”
Fear of Injustice and Demand for Justice
The victim and her husband expressed concerns that they might be denied justice due to police negligence. “We don’t feel safe. We haven’t even told our families about the rape incident because we fear for our safety,” they said.
Case Finally Filed, But Will the Investigation Be Fair?
Finally, on the night of February 26, the victim filed a case at Fatullah Model Police Station, naming Nazmul and Rony as the accused. Police have claimed that multiple teams are working to arrest the perpetrators.
However, the delayed response from law enforcement and their indifferent attitude toward the victim raise serious questions. The failure to promptly address such a serious crime reflects broader issues of inefficiency and lack of accountability in law enforcement.
This case highlights the critical need for swift action against perpetrators of sexual violence and the essential role of police in ensuring justice. Without timely investigations and legal proceedings, such heinous crimes may continue unchecked. Law enforcement agencies must take immediate steps to ensure justice and prevent future incidents.
Sources:
Date: February 28, 2025
