College student alleges she was raped at Sitakunda beach

A college student has alleged that she was raped by a group of men while visiting the Guliakhali beach in Sitakunda, Chattogram, although police have claimed the rape did not take place. 

The incident occurred around 1pm today, she said.

Locals rescued her and informed the Sitakunda police. A police team then reached the spot around 3pm and took her to the station for inquiry.

The Business Standard obtained a video of the girl's statement recorded by locals where she alleged that four men raped her.

Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mujibur Rahman, however,  said she wasn't raped. "The victim told us that some local men forcibly took her to the forest. When the girl's brother and friend who were with her screamed for help, they fled," he told reporters. 

Asked about the injury marks on the girl's face, the officer said legal action will be taken after the girl is taken for a medical examination. 

"The police are conducting a drive to arrest those involved in the incident," he said.

According to locals, the girl had gone for a walk on the beach with a friend and her younger brother this afternoon. While crossing the embankment in the area, four young men forcibly took her to the garden area of the coastal forest. 

They allegedly beat the girl's friend and tied her to a tree before locals rescued her.