Attempt to rape mute teenage girl 'settled' with 20 lashes in village arbitration

A village arbitration has sparked outrage after a serious crime was reportedly "settled" without involving the formal legal system in Santhia, Pabna . A local man was accused of attempting to rape a mute teenage girl, but instead of filing a case, the matter was resolved on Sunday, July 12, with a punishment of 20 lashes delivered by shoes .

The incident occurred in the Gaurigram area of Santhia upazila . The accused, a neighbour, allegedly entered the girl's home while she was alone . The girl's cries alerted locals, who caught the man red-handed. However, instead of taking him to the police, a village arbitration council composed of local influentials met that same evening in the Hariakahan village area . The council sentenced the accused to 20 lashes with shoes and declared the matter closed .

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from residents and civil society members, who argue that such a serious crime cannot be resolved through informal arbitration, which is legally invalid . They believe the decision protected the offender and denied justice to the victim . The girl's inability to speak further complicated the pursuit of justice . Locals are demanding proper criminal proceedings against the accused and stricter administrative oversight to prevent such trends .

Santhia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Anisur Rahman confirmed they learned of the matter through social media and would take legal action.