Rape of girl by two cops
HC asks for report on steps to protect women, children
STAFF REPORTER, Dhaka
The High Court (HC) yesterday asked the government to explain within four weeks why it should not be directed to compensate Tk 50 lakh to a 22-year-old woman who was allegedly raped by two police officers of Saturia police station in February this year. It also directed the government to submit a report on the steps taken for protection and safety of girls, women and children from sexual abuse across the country by April 18.
The HC further directed the government to outline the scheme or guidelines to make sure that all government-controlled houses, motels, guesthouses, hotels, rest houses, government guest houses, police stations, restrooms, safe homes and public places are adequately safe and secure for women and children.
In its ruling, the HC bench, comprising Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Md Ashraful Kamal, also asked the government to explain why its failure to prevent the incident of rape should not be declared illegal. The home secretary, inspector general of police, superintendent of police and additional superintendent of police of Manikganj and OC of Saturia police station have been made respondents to reply to the rule within four weeks.
The HC bench came up with the directive following a writ petition filed by the Childrens Charity Bangladesh Foundation and the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust, seeking its necessary order over the incident. Sub-inspector Sekendar Hossain and assistant sub-inspector Mazharul Islam of Saturia police station in Manikganj allegedly raped a 22-year-old woman after she was held captive. The woman lodged a police complaint against the duo on February 11.
A probe committee found the allegation of rape against the two Manikganj police officers to be true. The duo was arrested and placed on a six-day remand on February 12 in a case of rape.
According to the case statement, on February 6, the girl went to SI Sekendar for taking money from him which he had borrowed five years ago. Sekendar was supposed to give back Tk. 3 lakh with interest. She and her aunt went to Saturia police station on February 6 to meet Sekendar.
After meeting them, Sekendar took them to the Saturia Rest House. A few minutes later, ASI Mazharul went there and confined her aunt to one room and forced the victim to take yaba pills in another. She was raped several times until they freed her on February 8. Barrister Md Abdul Halim appeared for the writ petitioners.
