Minor Detained in Panchhari for Attempted Assault on Child

Police in Panchhari, Khagrachhari, have taken a 17-year-old male into custody following allegations of an attempted sexual assault on a five-year-old girl. The suspect was apprehended during a raid conducted at approximately 9:30 pm on Friday, 31 July.

According to statements from local residents and the victim’s family, the incident took place around 1:00 pm on Friday while the young girl was playing in the courtyard of her home. The suspect allegedly approached the child and enticed her to leave the premises by offering to show her animated cartoons on a mobile phone. Once in an isolated spot, he attempted to assault her. However, the child managed to escape, returning home in distress to report the ordeal to her mother.

Upon learning of the incident, the family informed community elders before the victim’s father approached the police. He lodged a verbal complaint at Panchhari Police Station later that evening, detailing the events described by his daughter.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Panchhari Police Station, Md Ferdous Wahed, confirmed that law enforcement acted swiftly upon receiving the report. He stated that the young suspect was detained shortly after the initial complaint was brought to their attention.

Recognising the vulnerable state of the victim, law enforcement advised the family to admit the child to a local medical facility immediately for formal examination and necessary treatment. Medical professionals will assess both her physical condition and psychological well-being.

The station chief noted that a formal criminal case has not yet been filed by the family. Nevertheless, police officers have initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Authorities reiterated that once a formal written complaint is submitted by the relatives, a regular case will be registered, triggering full statutory legal proceedings against the suspect under the relevant statutes governing juvenile offenses and child protection.