A 22-year-old man has been arrested in Noakhali’s Companiganj upazila over allegations that he abducted and raped a 15-year-old girl while she was returning home from her elder sister’s in-laws’ house.
The accused, identified as Nazim Uddin, was arrested by police on Sunday night (2 August). Earlier that morning, the girl’s mother filed a case against him with Companiganj Police Station. The alleged incident took place on Thursday (30 July) in the Char Balua area of Ward No. 6 in Char Elahi Union.
Nazim is the son of Md Adon and is a resident of the Char Balua area, according to police and the case documents.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the girl had been returning home after visiting her elder sister’s in-laws’ house in the same locality. Nazim was allegedly waiting for her in the area. When she approached a point near her home, he allegedly abducted her and took her to a nearby secluded location.
The FIR alleges that the accused wrapped a scarf around the girl’s mouth and raped her. During the incident, a local resident identified as Amzad Hossain reportedly noticed what was happening and moved towards the spot. Nazim allegedly fled the scene after realising that he had been detected.
The incident was subsequently reported to the girl’s family, following which her mother lodged a complaint with the police. Officers began efforts to locate the accused, leading to his arrest later on Sunday.
Companiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Nurul Hakim confirmed the arrest. He said police acted promptly after receiving the complaint and that legal proceedings would be taken against the accused in accordance with the law.
The police are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegation as part of the case proceedings. The relevant evidence and statements of those involved will be examined during the investigation.
The case has drawn attention to the safety of young people in rural communities, particularly when travelling alone or through isolated areas. However, the allegations against Nazim Uddin remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. He will be presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
