2 arrested in rape case after 13-year-old girl dies in Panchagarh

A schoolgirl died at Panchagarh Sadar Hospital on Monday night, three days after she allegedly ingested pesticide following an alleged rape.

The victim, 13, a resident of Khalpara village in Amarkhana union of Panchagarh Sadar upazila, died around 9:30pm while undergoing treatment, said police.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Her alleged boyfriend, Suel, alias Sohel, 25, of Jhechhupara in Hafizabad union, and his associate Rafiqul Islam, alias Bagha Montu, 23, an easy-bike driver, were arrested on Sunday, said Inspector (Investigation) Ashish Kumar Shil of Panchagarh Sadar Police Station.

Earlier that day, the girl’s brother filed a case against three named and three unidentified accused on charges of rape and abetment to rape.

The named accused are Sohel, Rafiqul, and Abu Sayed of Purbabagan Rajmahal of the same upazila, said the inspector.

According to the case statement, Sohel and the girl were in a relationship.

The case statement alleged that around 10:00pm on Thursday, Sohel took her by easy-bike to a house in the Rajmahal-Purbabagan area, where he raped her with the help of his associates.

The accused then threatened her not to disclose the incident and put her on another easy-bike around 2:00am Friday.

The driver and two passengers allegedly sexually harassed her, prompting her to jump off the vehicle, the case statement added.

She was rescued by a local tractor driver and returned home.

On Saturday, she ingested pesticide at home. Family members rushed her to a hospital.

Following their arrest, a Panchagarh court sent the two to jail on Monday afternoon.

Panchagarh Sadar Hospital Resident Medical Officer Md Rezwanullah said the girl was admitted after ingesting pesticide. Doctors later learned of the rape allegation.

He said samples were collected after her death and the body was sent for an autopsy.

Inspector (Investigation) Ashish Kumar Shil of Panchagarh Sadar Police Station said two people had been arrested and police were conducting drives to arrest the other accused.

The body was handed over to the family after autopsy on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said more details can be provided after the autopsy report and further investigation.