Accused in Schoolgirl Rape Case Attacks Police and Flees

Local Correspondent

In Roumari, Kurigram, an accused in a rape case attacked a Sub-Inspector (SI) of police and fled, escaping with handcuffs still on.

The incident occurred around 10 PM on Monday, February 24, in the Dhana Char area of Ward No. 4 in Jadurchar Union of the upazila. The injured SI was later rescued and admitted to the Upazila Health Complex.

The fugitive, Shahnewaz Abir Raju (30), is the son of Ali Azgar from Kashiyabari village in Jadurchar Union. He is accused of raping a local schoolgirl with disabilities and involvement in drug trafficking. Additionally, he faces allegations of threatening the victim’s family and locals with homemade weapons.

It was learned that after the rape of a schoolgirl with disabilities on February 17, Raju, along with his family, fled his home and took refuge at his aunt’s house in Dhana Char due to public outrage. When the victim’s family filed a complaint at the police station, a three-member police team, led by SI Auwal, raided the house of Raju’s aunt, Shirina Akter, on Monday night to arrest him on charges of rape, drug trafficking, and brandishing weapons.

During the raid, police recovered several yaba pills and arrested Raju, placing him in handcuffs. At this point, Raju, along with his mother and cousin, attacked the police. They bit SI Auwal and severely injured his groin. As SI Auwal fell injured, Raju managed to escape with the handcuffs still on.

Upon receiving the news, additional police forces arrived at the scene and rescued the injured SI. Raju’s mother, Abeda Akter Rajia (48), and his cousin, Runa Akter (23), were arrested and taken to the police station. A homemade ram-dao (machete) was also recovered from the house.

Local UP member Abdul Baten said, “The police were conducting a raid on Monday night. During this time, the accused Raju attacked the police and fled with handcuffs.”

Dr. Nabiul Islam, the Residential Medical Officer (RMO) at Roumari Health Complex, said, “A police officer is undergoing treatment. His condition is now stable.”

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Roumari Circle, Mominul Islam, said, “I am currently away from my workplace, so I cannot provide details. However, I have heard that a police officer was injured and is undergoing treatment.”

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Roumari Police Station, Lutfor Rahman, said, “The rape case accused, Raju, injured SI Auwal and fled. Efforts to arrest him are ongoing.”

He also mentioned, “A new case is being processed on charges of drug possession and obstructing government work.”