Magura Child Ashiya Rape Case: Shocking Details Emerge

Staff Reporter

The mother of 8-year-old Ashiya, who was raped while visiting her sister’s house in Magura, has filed a case. In the complaint, it is alleged that Ashiya was raped by her sister’s father-in-law, Hitu Sheikh, with the help of her brother-in-law, Sajib Hossain. The incident was known to her sister’s mother-in-law, Jabeda Begum, and brother-in-law, Ratul. They allegedly tried to cover up the heinous crime and even attempted to kill Ashiya.

On Saturday morning, Ashiya’s mother submitted a written complaint to Magura Sadar Police Station through her elder daughter and husband. The case was filed under Section 9(4)/30 of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, accusing the perpetrators of rape and causing injury through rape. The accused include Ashiya’s brother-in-law Sajib (18), his brother Ratul (20), their father Hitu Sheikh (42), and mother Jabeda Begum (40). All four are currently in police custody.

Confirming the case, Magura Additional Superintendent of Police Mirajul Islam said, “Ashiya is undergoing intensive treatment in Dhaka. A case has been filed based on the complaint submitted by her mother. The four accused in police custody will be sent to court after being shown as arrested.”

Details from the Complaint:

Four months ago, Ashiya’s elder sister married Sajib Hossain, a resident of Magura municipality. The household included Sajib, his father Hitu Sheikh, mother Jabeda Begum, and brother Ratul. Since the marriage, Hitu Sheikh had been making inappropriate advances toward his daughter-in-law, which was known to the entire family. This had led to several arguments. On March 1, Ashiya went to visit her sister at her in-laws’ house.

On the night of March 5, around 10:00 PM, Ashiya ate dinner and slept in the same room as her sister and brother-in-law. At around 2:30 AM, her sister woke up and found Ashiya lying on the floor, not beside her. Ashiya complained of pain in her genitals. Her sister initially thought Ashiya was talking in her sleep. At around 6:00 AM, Ashiya again complained of pain. When asked, she revealed that her brother-in-law Sajib had opened the door, and her father-in-law Hitu Sheikh had covered her mouth, taken her to his room, and raped her. She could not scream as he had choked her. After the assault, he left her injured on the floor of her sister’s room.

Upon hearing this, Ashiya’s sister tried to inform their mother over the phone, but Sajib snatched the phone and assaulted her. He threatened to kill Ashiya if anyone found out. The two sisters were then locked in separate rooms. In the morning, when a neighbor visited, Ratul opened the door. They tried to revive the unconscious Ashiya by pouring water on her head. When her condition worsened around 10:30 AM, Jabeda Begum, with the help of neighbors, took her to Magura 250-bed Hospital. There, Jabeda claimed that Ashiya was possessed by a jinn. However, doctors and others noticed signs of rape, prompting Jabeda to flee the hospital. Later, Ashiya’s mother arrived at the hospital.

According to police, Ashiya’s family resides in Sreepur upazila. She had gone to visit her sister’s in-laws’ house a few days ago. On Thursday around 11:30 AM, her mother-in-law Jabeda Begum brought her unconscious to Magura 250-bed Hospital. Later, Ashiya’s mother arrived. In the afternoon, Ashiya was transferred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital for better treatment and then to Dhaka Medical College Hospital at night. On Friday night, her condition deteriorated, and she was put on life support. On Saturday, she was transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka for advanced treatment.

Ashiya’s elder sister revealed that a terrifying incident had occurred with her about 20-22 days ago. One evening, when no one was home, she left the room light on and went to the toilet. Upon returning, she found the light turned off. Suddenly, someone grabbed her from behind. Based on the person’s height and build, she realized it was her father-in-law. When she informed Sajib, he instead blamed and verbally abused her.

She said, “I informed my family about the incident and did not want to return to my in-laws’ house. But my family convinced me to go back. I was always afraid something worse might happen. That’s why they sent my younger sister with me. Now she has also fallen victim. I have heard from locals that Hitu Sheikh has been involved in similar incidents with two other girls before.”

It has been learned that none of the accused—Sajib, Ratul, Hitu Sheikh, or Jabeda Begum—have admitted to their involvement in the incident during interrogation. Their statements were inconsistent and contradictory.

Police stated that Ashiya’s statement could not be taken as she was unconscious when brought to the hospital. However, DNA samples have been collected for further investigation.