Content creator Ripon's bid to settle rape case through local arbitration sparks controversy

Popular content creator Ripon Mia has been accused of raping a 14-year-old schoolgirl in Netrokona Sadar Upazila, while attempts to settle the allegation through a local arbitration instead of pursuing legal action have sparked widespread controversy.

The issue drew public criticism after videos of the arbitration were circulated on social media, prompting police to launch an investigation.

According to the allegation, Ripon Mia went to the girl's home on Saturday night and forcibly took her to a nearby wooded area, where he allegedly raped her.

The victim's family claimed that Ripon had previously harassed the girl under the pretext of making videos with her.

The family initially chose not to disclose the incident out of fear of social stigma. However, after the matter became known locally, a community arbitration was held at the local BNP office on Monday night.

According to several people present at the meeting, the arbitration was chaired by Fazlur Rahman, former president of the local Union BNP.

Local political leaders and community representatives also attended.

Participants claimed that Ripon admitted the allegation and apologised during the meeting. It was subsequently decided that he would be fined Tk 500,000 and expelled from the area.

Several videos of the arbitration surfaced on social media on Tuesday, triggering widespread criticism. The footage shows Ripon apologising to those present and, at one stage, holding the feet of a local BNP leader while pleading for forgiveness.

Former Union BNP president Fazlur Rahman said the victim's family had approached local leaders seeking justice because of their financial hardship. Although the arbitration took place, he said the family had later been advised to pursue legal action.

Abul Khayer, Officer-in-Charge of Netrokona Model Police Station, said police launched an inquiry after learning about the incident through social media.

He said the victim had been sent to the police station with her family to file a formal complaint. Police are questioning several people who attended the arbitration, while efforts are under way to arrest the accused, Ripon Mia.