5 Arrested For Cumilla Rape Case: “That woman truly a victim of barbaric violence,” said Police
Police in Cumilla have arrested five individuals in connection with the alleged gang rape and circulation of explicit video content involving a 25-year-old woman in Muradnagar upazila. The incident occurred on the night of June 26 in the village of Ramchandrapur Panchkitta, when the woman—who had been staying at her father’s home—was reportedly assaulted.
The main accused, Fazor Ali (36), a local political figure and resident of Bahechar (Purbo Para), was arrested in the early hours of June 28 from Dhaka’s Sutrapur area. Police said he is currently undergoing treatment at Cumilla Medical College Hospital due to injuries sustained during a physical altercation following the alleged incident.
Cumilla police also arrested four other youths — identified as Sumon, Ramjan Ali, Md Babu, and Md Anik — who are accused of filming the assault and circulating the footage online. All five are currently in police custody.
Cumilla Court Inspector Sadequr Rahman confirmed on Monday that law enforcement has sought a 7-day remand for the four youths to facilitate further investigation under the Pornography (Control) Act and other applicable laws. “We are trying to arrest another suspect, Shah Paran, brother of the main accused,” Rahman added.
According to the victim’s initial complaint, she was raped by Fazor Ali around 10 p.m. while her husband was abroad in Dubai. The incident drew national attention after the graphic video was shared widely on social media platforms on Saturday, prompting widespread outrage.
On Sunday, the High Court directed the Bangladesh Telecommunication and Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to take immediate steps to remove the video content from all online platforms. The bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Sayed Jahed Mansur also instructed authorities to ensure the victim’s security and access to necessary medical services. A progress report on the video’s removal is to be submitted to the court by July 14.
Meanwhile, reports surfaced that the victim had expressed willingness to withdraw the case, citing social pressure and the desire to “preserve peace.” According to a report by Channel 24, her husband reportedly stated, “The damage to our honour is already done. If we proceed with the case, it won’t be restored.”
Police have said that no one has forced the survivor to withdraw her complaint, and legal proceedings will continue unless an official application is submitted.
The case is being handled under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act and the Pornography (Control) Act, and further legal action is pending the results of remand interrogation and forensic evidence.
Source: Daily Prothom Alo
