A harrowing incident of sexual violence has sent shockwaves through the local community in Gaibandha, where a primary school pupil was allegedly subjected to a brutal assault. The victim, a young girl currently enrolled in the fifth grade, is presently receiving intensive medical treatment at Gaibandha General Hospital following the trauma.
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Details of the Incident
The distressing event occurred on the evening of Saturday, the 4th of April, in the village of Bhabanipur, situated within the Barishal Union of Palashbari Upazila. According to the formal complaint lodged by the victim’s father, the young girl had left her home at dusk to collect cow’s milk from a neighbouring household—a routine errand that turned into a nightmare.
As the child was returning home with the milk, she was reportedly intercepted by a local youth identified as Rifat (19), the son of Azadul Mia. The First Information Report (FIR) details that the suspect forcibly covered the girl’s mouth to prevent her from screaming before dragging her into a secluded bamboo grove nearby. It was within this dense thicket that the alleged assault took place.
The ordeal only came to an end when the victim’s desperate cries for help finally reached the ears of local villagers. Sensing that he was about to be discovered, the perpetrator fled into the darkness, leaving the child in a state of physical and emotional collapse.
Medical Intervention and Hospitalisation
The victim was discovered by her family in a critical condition and was immediately rushed to the Palashbari Upazila Health Complex. However, as her physical state deteriorated, the attending medical officers determined that she required specialist care beyond the scope of the local facility.
On the advice of the doctors, she was subsequently transferred to Gaibandha General Hospital, where she remains under close observation. Medical professionals are currently conducting forensic examinations to gather the necessary evidence for the prosecution.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
On Monday, the 6th of April, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Palashbari Police Station, Sarowar Alam Khan, confirmed that a formal case had been registered against the accused. The victim’s father officially filed the charges on Sunday night, seeking justice for his daughter under the prevailing laws concerning violence against women and children.
The following table outlines the critical particulars of the ongoing case:
| Feature | Details |
| Incident Date | Saturday, 4 April |
| Location of Crime | Bhabanipur Village, Barishal Union |
| Victim’s Profile | 5th-Grade Student (Primary School) |
| Primary Suspect | Rifat (19), son of Azadul Mia |
| Medical Status | Admitted to Gaibandha General Hospital |
| Legal Charges | Filed under Women & Children Repression Act |
| Investigating Authority | Palashbari Police Station |
Local Reaction and Fugitive Status
The authorities have expressed their firm commitment to apprehending the suspect, who has reportedly gone into hiding since the night of the attack. OC Sarowar Alam Khan reassured the public that multiple police teams are currently conducting raids across various locations to track down Rifat.
“We are treating this matter with the utmost gravity,” the OC stated during a press briefing. “The safety of our children is paramount, and we are working tirelessly to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice as swiftly as possible.”
The incident has sparked outrage amongst residents of the Barishal Union, with many calling for heightened security and swifter judicial proceedings in cases of crimes against minors. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, awaiting the arrest of the individual responsible for such a heinous act.