Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-9) have apprehended three suspects in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 30-year-old physically disabled woman in Sylhet. The victim, who had travelled to the city for religious purposes, is currently receiving medical treatment at a specialised facility.
Table of Contents
Details of the Incident
According to RAB and local sources, the victim arrived in Sylhet last Thursday to attend the annual Urs (death anniversary) and offer prayers at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R). On Monday night, she was visiting the shrine of Hazrat Shah Paran (R). Following her visit, she boarded a CNG-run auto-rickshaw to travel to the Sylhet railway station.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Atiqur Rahman, reportedly engaged the woman in conversation. Under the guise of a marriage proposal, he lured the victim to a location in the Loharpara area of the city. Upon arrival, Atiqur, with the assistance of another auto-rickshaw driver named Ashiqur Rahman, took the woman to a rented residence belonging to Shamsul Haque. It is alleged that the three men subsequently subjected the woman to a gang rape within that premises.
Discovery and Law Enforcement Response
The incident came to light on Tuesday morning when the victim informed neighbouring tenants of the ordeal. Upon receiving the information, local residents promptly alerted the Rapid Action Battalion.
RAB-9 launched an immediate operation to locate the suspects. At approximately 14:00, officers apprehended Atiqur Rahman and Shamsul Haque in the Loharpara area. Following information obtained during initial questioning, a third suspect, Ashiqur Rahman, was arrested at approximately 17:30 near the Humayun Rashid Square (Chottor) area of the city.
Suspect Information
The following table outlines the details of the individuals currently in custody:
| Name of Suspect | Age | Residential Area | Occupation | Location of Arrest |
| Atiqur Rahman | 40 | Mahaldi, Airport Area | Auto-rickshaw Driver | Loharpara |
| Shamsul Haque | 45 | Loharpara | – | Loharpara |
| Ashiqur Rahman | 30 | Sylhet City | Auto-rickshaw Driver | Humayun Rashid Square |
Current Status and Legal Proceedings
The victim has been admitted to the One-Stop Crisis Centre (OCC) at the Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital for comprehensive medical examinations and psychological support.
Additional Superintendent of Police for RAB-9, KM Shahidul Islam, confirmed the arrests and stated that the victim was sent for immediate medical care. He further noted that the process of filing a formal criminal case against the accused is currently underway. The suspects remain in custody as investigators continue to gather evidence and record statements from witnesses and the victim. Sylhet Metropolitan Police are expected to take over the formal prosecution as the legal process transitions from the initial apprehension by RAB to the judicial system.