Police in Madarganj Upazila, Jamalpur, have apprehended a middle-aged man following allegations of sexual assault against a 14-year-old girl. The suspect, identified as Shahjahan Mollah (45), was taken into custody on Saturday, 23 May, from the Mirzapur area under the Balijuri Union. He is the son of the late Tara Mollah, a resident of the same locality.
Incident Timeline and Allegations
According to police reports and local sources, the incident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, 21 May. The victim’s parents had reportedly left their residence for work, leaving the teenager alone at home. While the girl was asleep in her bedroom, the accused, Shahjahan Mollah, allegedly entered the house illegally.
The victim claims that the suspect attempted to molest her while she was sleeping. Upon being awoken by the assault, the girl raised an alarm. Her screams forced the assailant to flee the premises before neighbours or family members could intervene. Following the incident, the victim’s mother filed a formal complaint at the local police station, leading to the initiation of a criminal case.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
The Madarganj Police Department acted swiftly upon the filing of the case. A team conducted a raid in the Mirzapur area on Saturday afternoon, resulting in the successful arrest of the suspect.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) Snehashish Roy of Madarganj Police Station confirmed the arrest to the press, stating that the suspect was detained specifically on charges of sexual harassment and assault. He further noted that after the completion of initial interrogation and necessary legal formalities, the accused would be produced before the court to face judicial proceedings.
| Feature | Details |
| Suspect Name | Shahjahan Mollah (45) |
| Location of Arrest | Mirzapur, Balijuri Union, Madarganj |
| Date of Incident | Thursday, 21 May |
| Date of Arrest | Saturday, 23 May |
| Victim Profile | 14-year-old female |
| Complainant | Mother of the victim |
| Legal Authority | Madarganj Police Station |
| Status | Transferred to court custody |
Context and Statutory Framework
Under the laws governing child protection and violence against women in Bangladesh, cases of this nature are treated with high priority. The police are currently conducting a thorough investigation to gather evidence and witness statements to strengthen the prosecution’s case. The suspect remains in custody pending his court appearance, where the magistrate will decide on the duration of his detention or potential jail remand.
The authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a fair trial and providing the necessary support to the victim’s family during the legal process. Local residents have expressed concern over the safety of minors, and the police have increased vigilance in the Balijuri area following the arrest.