7-yr-old murdered after alleged rape in Brahmanbaria, uncle detained

A seven-year-old girl was found murdered after she was allegedly raped in Ashuganj Upazila of Brahmanbaria yesterday (25 September), leading to the detention of her uncle for reportedly committing the crime.

Police recovered the body of Mahida Akter, daughter of Saudi expatriate Mozammel Mia, from Andidil village under the upazila's Talshahar Union around noon yesterday, confirmed the district's Additional Superintendent of Police Arafatul Islam.

Police also detained the child's paternal uncle Jahidul, 20, after he was handed over to them by agitated locals, over accusations that he was behind the crimes.

Family members alleged that after Jummah prayers, Jahidul took Mahida, who was a student at a local madrasah, into his room, where he then allegedly raped and killed the child before attempting to flee.

Mahida's mother Monira Begum said they went to Jahidul's room at one point during their search for the child and found her shoes outside. After having Jahidul open the door, they found Mahida in an unconscious state in his room.

Hearing Monira's cries for help, neighbours rushed over and took Mahida to Brahmanbaria General Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival.

Monir Hossain, emergency department doctor at the hospital, said the child passed away before she was brought to the hospital. He said there were several injury marks on her body, but the exact cause of death can be determined after an autopsy.

Additional SP Arafatul said the accused had been detained over the killing. "Necessary legal action is being taken in this regard."