Intellectually challenged woman raped in Cumilla

A local court sent a man to jail on charges of raping an intellectually challenged woman in Cumilla’s Sadar South upazila yesterday.

The suspect, Khokon, of Uttar Durgapur village, was arrested on Saturday after a video of the incident went viral on social media, said Mostain Billah Ferdous, additional superintendent of police (Sadar South Circle).

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

According to locals, Khokon is known as a BNP activist.

Shafiqul Islam, president of ward-3 BNP in Barapara union, said that Khokon does not hold any party position and is only a party activist.

“We strongly condemn and denounce this heinous incident. After discussions with party leaders, necessary organisational action will be taken, and we will fully cooperate with the administration in taking legal action.”

Locals said the woman was sleeping in front of a library at a market on Thursday night when the incident occurred.

A video that later spread on social media appears to show a man approaching the woman and touching her. The woman is seen trying to resist before the man sexually assaults her.

The video also shows the man speaking with a night watchman before leaving the spot.

The Daily Star could not independently verify the video’s authenticity.

Rakibul Islam, officer-in-charge of Cumilla Sadar South Model Police Station, said a case was filed and that investigation was underway.