Woman 'gang raped' in Shariatpur; 3 detained
Police says the survivor was rescued from the spot after locals alerted them, while her husband was taken into custody for questioning.
Three people have been detained in Shariatpur's Naria upazila over the alleged gang rape of a 25-year-old woman after her husband was allegedly tied to a tree.
The incident took place in the Achura area early hours of today (28 July).
Police rescued the woman from the scene in the early hours of today after receiving information from local residents and admitted her to Shariatpur General Hospital.
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According to police and local sources, the woman's husband had a dispute with some locals over an alleged drug-related issue.
The suspects allegedly called him out of his home last night (27 July), took him to a secluded area in Achura and tied him to a tree.
They later allegedly used his mobile phone to call his wife and asked her to bring cash and gold ornaments to the location.
The woman alleged that after reaching the spot, she found her husband tied to a tree. She said two men then took her to a nearby secluded area and raped her.
Hearing her screams, locals rushed to the area, forcing the accused to flee. Locals later contacted the national emergency service 999, following which police reached the spot and rescued the woman.
Police detained Rabbi, 28, Hazrat Ali Khandaker, 42, and Emon Khandaker, 26, during a raid this morning in connection with the incident.
The survivor, while receiving treatment at the hospital, told reporters that she was taken there after the accused held her husband hostage.
"They called me there after keeping my husband hostage. I pleaded with them, but they did not listen," she said.
Shariatpur General Hospital Residential Medical Officer Dr Mitu Akter said the woman was admitted in the early hours of today and is undergoing treatment.
"Vaginal swab and DNA samples have been collected for forensic examination. The matter will be confirmed after receiving the test results," she said.
Naria Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Bahar Mia said police rescued the woman after receiving information from locals and detained three people based on her statement.
"The issue of a drug-related dispute has initially come up behind the incident. The entire matter is being investigated and legal proceedings are underway," he said.
Police said further legal action will be taken based on the progress of the investigation and forensic test results.
