Ctg child rape: Charge sheet submitted against accused

Police have submitted a charge sheet today (4 June) in the case filed over raping a four-year-old child in Chattogram's Bakalia area.

The charge sheet was filed against the accused, Monir Hossain, son of Md Alam, a resident of Miakhan Nagar area under Bakalia Police Station.

Confirming the matter to The Business Standard, Bakalia Police Station Officer in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Solaiman said the chargesheet was prepared based on the accused's judicial confession, the victim's statement, and a definitive DNA profile report.

The case was filed on 22 May and the charge sheet was submitted to the prosecution department of Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court within five working days, he said.

The investigation officer, Police Inspector (Investigation) Tanvir Ahmed, said, "A medical examination was conducted to confirm the victim's age and signs of sexual assault. In addition, DNA samples from both the accused and the child were collected and verified through laboratory analysis."

"The related evidences, victim's medical examination report and statement, confessional statement made by the accused under Section 164 revealed Monir's involvement in the incident," he added.

The victim's father filed a case with Bakalia Police Station, naming Monir as the sole accused.

According to the police, the incident occurred on 21 May when the victim's parents were away from home. Taking advantage, the accused, Monir tricked the four-year-old girl and raped her.

Following complaints from locals, Bakalia police launched a drive and arrested Monir around 3pm from a warehouse room near Balurmath in the Nur Hossain Chairman Ghat area.

Meanwhile, tensions flared after Monir's arrest as an angry mob attempted to snatch him from police custody.

Witnesses said clashes broke out between police and locals, with protesters hurling brickbats at police and vandalising and setting fire to several police pickup vans.

Police fired tear gas shells, sound grenades and blank rounds to bring the situation under control.

At least 30 people, including police personnel and journalists, were injured in the violence. Police remained effectively trapped for nearly six hours before safely transferring the accused to secure custody around 10pm.

Police said four people have so far been arrested over the attack on police, obstruction of official duties and vandalism of police vehicles. A separate case has also been filed over the incident.