Grocery shop owner arrested for attempted rape of 5-year-old in Munshiganj

Police arrested a man, identified as a local grocery shop owner in Gazaria, Munshiganj, over an alleged rape attempt of a five-year-old. 

Shah Alam Khan, 65, was arrested around 9pm last night (25 March) after the incident was reported.

Confirming the matter, Gazaria police station Officer-in-Charge Md Anwar Alam Azad said, "We were informed of the incident yesterday evening and immediately dispatched a police team to the scene." 

"A case has been filed, and he has been sent to jail," he added. 

The victim's aunt, who reportedly witnessed the crime, said the child had gone to Shah Alam Khan's shop around 9:30am that morning. 

"He lured her inside by offering chocolates. Once inside, he started touching her inappropriately and attempted to assault her. I happened to arrive at that moment and caught him in the act," she added. 

The aunt also said when she protested, Shah Alam Khan and his sons attacked her. 

"As his family is influential in the area, we are now feeling unsafe after speaking out against him," she said.

Locals said Shah Alam Khan has a history of such behaviour, but his influence has prevented anyone from speaking out. 

"There have been similar allegations against him in the past, but due to his influence, no one dared to speak up," a local resident said.