A formal charge sheet has been submitted in court against Bangladeshi cricketer Tofayel Ahmed Rayhan following allegations of sexual assault. The submission was made by Gulshan Police Station under Section 9(1) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, which addresses crimes of sexual violence and abuse.
The charge sheet was filed on 30 November by Sub-Inspector Samiul Islam, the investigating officer. He stated that the case had been thoroughly investigated and that sufficient evidence had been collected to proceed. “The allegations of rape have been substantiated during the investigation, and the witnesses will appear before the court to verify the facts,” he said.
From the prosecution side, Sub-Inspector Tahmina Akter announced that the next hearing is scheduled for 30 December, during which the charge sheet will be formally presented in court. The tribunal will then consider framing charges and moving the case forward.
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Allegations According to the Charge Sheet
The document alleges that Tofayel met the complainant through Facebook in January of this year. Their initial acquaintance reportedly developed into friendship, after which the accused allegedly proposed a romantic relationship. Although the woman declined, the cricketer is said to have continued the relationship by promising marriage.
The first alleged incident took place on 31 January at a hotel in Gulshan, where the woman claims she was coerced into sexual relations. The complainant further alleges that similar incidents occurred on multiple occasions thereafter. She filed a formal complaint at Gulshan Police Station on 1 August.
Bail and Court Proceedings
Following the filing of the case, Tofayel was granted six weeks’ anticipatory bail by the High Court on 24 September. However, reports indicate that he did not surrender to the trial court after the bail period expired. The complainant has stated that she was misled by promises of marriage and that attempts to resolve the matter through family intervention were unsuccessful.
Case Timeline (Summary)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Alleged first incident | 31 January |
| Case filed at Gulshan Police Station | 1 August |
| Anticipatory bail granted | 24 September (6 weeks) |
| Charge sheet submitted | 30 November |
| Next court hearing | 30 December |
Context and Implications
The case has drawn considerable attention both within legal circles and the sporting community, as it involves a prominent domestic cricketer. Legal experts note that the submission of the charge sheet may accelerate proceedings in the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. Depending on the upcoming hearing, the court may decide whether to formally frame charges and commence trial proceedings.
The case remains under investigation, and all parties are expected to appear before the court for the next scheduled hearing.
SB