A deeply disturbing incident has been reported in Shibchar, Madaripur, where a six-year-old madrasa student was allegedly raped. The local community reacted with outrage, apprehending the accused youth, subjecting him to a mob beating, and subsequently handing him over to the police authorities. The victim’s family has since filed a case against the suspect under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.
The appalling crime occurred on Monday afternoon, 8 December, in the Shibchar Upazila. News of the sexual assault rapidly spread through the area, igniting intense anger and vigilance among the residents, which culminated in the swift action of mob justice.
According to information from local sources and the victim’s family, the young girl was dropped off at a local madrasa at 10:00 AM on the day of the incident, as was routine. Concern grew when she failed to return home by midday. Family members launched a frantic search for the child. Tragically, she was discovered severely injured and in a critical state near the accused individual’s home at approximately 4:00 PM.
Upon rescue, the victim disclosed the details of the ordeal to her parents. Horrified by the account, the family immediately rushed the child to the Shibchar Upazila Health Complex. After providing initial treatment, medical professionals at the Complex recognised the severity of the injuries and referred her to the Madaripur 250-Bed General Hospital for specialised care. The child is currently receiving ongoing treatment there.
Once the news of the alleged rape became public knowledge, a large group of local residents quickly cornered and detained the young man suspected of the crime. Overcome with fury, the crowd administered a severe beating to the suspect. As the situation escalated and threatened to spiral out of control, officers from Shibchar Police Station, aided by Datapara Highway Police, arrived promptly at the scene. The police intervened, rescuing the assaulted suspect from the enraged mob, and ensuring his admission to the Shibchar Upazila Health Complex for urgent medical attention.
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Shibchar Police Station, Md. Shafiqul Islam, confirmed the developments to the media, stating: “A case has been lodged by the victim’s family under the relevant sections of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. The child has been admitted to hospital for better treatment, and the accused youth was sent to court after receiving necessary medical care.” The OC assured that the police are conducting a thorough and expedited investigation to ensure the legal process is completed swiftly.
This tragic event has once again cast a spotlight on the critical issues surrounding child safety in both community and educational settings. The local community is calling for the swift prosecution and exemplary punishment of the perpetrator to act as a deterrent against such heinous crimes. The case highlights the urgent need for enhanced protective measures for vulnerable children in the region.