Bus driver, two helpers detained over alleged rape in moving bus

A woman was allegedly gang-raped in a moving bus by its driver and his assistants in the early hours of Thursday on Dhaka-Tangail Highway.

Police have detained the bus driver, Md Altaf, 25; and his helpers, Md Sagar, 24; and Md Rabbi, 21.

Tangail Sadar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Ruhul Amin confirmed the development.

Police said the woman boarded a Savar Paribahan bus from Radio Colony in Savar around 11:30pm on Wednesday, intending to go to Ashulia Police Station to file a general diary (GD) against her husband.

Quoting the woman, the OC said that after two passengers got off, she was alone in the bus.

Taking advantage of the situation, the driver and his helpers allegedly snatched her gold jewellery, money, and mobile phone before driving around different areas and raping her throughout the night.

Based on suspicion, highway police intercepted the vehicle on Dhaka-Tangail highway in the Karatia underpass area under Tangail Sadar upazila, rescued the woman, and detained the trio around 12:10pm on Thursday.

The bus was also seized.

“In primary investigation, we have found evidence of the incident,” OC Ruhul told journalists, adding that the victim would be sent to the hospital for medical examination and that the process of filing a case was underway.