Man accused of raping 7-yr-old by luring her with chocolate in Narayanganj

A local businessman named Ibrahim, 55, has been accused of raping a seven-year-old child after luring her with chocolate in Narayanganj's Rupganj yesterday afternoon (13 March).

The incident took place in the Rupsi Baghbari area of Rupganj's Tarabo. Several people have also been accused of threatening the child's parents to cover up the incident.

Meanwhile, locals protested at 9pm last night, demanding punishment for Ibrahim and others involved when the incident became known.

Upon receiving the news, police and upazila administration officials rescued the child and sent her to the hospital for medical examination and treatment.

"The child has been sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital [DMCH] under police custody for treatment after rescue. Operations are ongoing to detain those involved in the incident," said Rupganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saiful Islam.

Meanwhile, Mehedi Islam, assistant superintendent of police (ASP), said those attempting to settle the matter will also face legal consequences.

"Some incidents cannot be settled. Rape is one of them. In addition to the main accused, those who attempted to settle the matter are equally criminal and will also face legal consequences," he said.

Quoting locals, police said Ibrahim lured the child with the promise of buying chocolate yesterday afternoon and took her inside his shop, where he allegedly raped her. A woman witnessed the incident and informed local residents. The child also told her parents about the incident after leaving the shop.

Police said the victim's landlord Tansen, Rubel, and several influential locals offered financial compensation to cover up the rape incident sensing the situation.

Around 9pm, the locals staged a protest when they learned about the rape. During this time, Ibrahim fled the scene.

Upon receiving the news, police arrived, rescued the child, and assured to arrest the accused.