Woman gang-raped and killed in Cox's Bazar's Ukhiya

A woman was allegedly gang-raped and killed in the early hours today (3 March) in Ukhiya upazila of Cox's Bazar.

The incident reportedly took place in a secluded area while the woman had woken up for sehri before dawn. The victim is the wife of a Malaysian expatriate and mother of two.

Nur Ahmad, officer-in-charge (OC) of Ukhiya Police Station said it was not yet possible to confirm whether the killing was the result of a robbery or rape until the investigation is completed.

A police team visited the scene after being informed of the incident around 5am. The woman was found dead inside the house.

"The victim had a bloodied head injury, marks of manual strangulation on her neck, and swelling on one arm consistent with it being twisted. She was found partially undressed at the scene," he said.

The victim's family alleged that she was gang-raped and targeted due to an ongoing land dispute with neighbours.

In this regard, the OC said, "The victim was living alone with her children in a remote hilly area. Although some household items were found scattered inside the house, no allegations of robbery have been made by the family."

He said police are continuing their efforts to uncover the mystery behind the incident and will launch arrest operations once those involved are identified.

The body has been handed over to the family after an autopsy at Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital, he added.

Neighbours said after hearing the victim's screams, they rushed to the scene, prompting the assailants to flee. The woman succumbed to her injuries shortly afterwards in front of local residents.

Speaking to reporters, the victim's elder brother-in-law claimed that the attackers had planned the assault and murder over the land conflict, adding that there were visible head injuries on her body.

"Considering the nature of the injuries and the fact that she was found partially undressed, we suspect that the assailants raped her before killing her."