Man held over alleged rape of fifth-grade student in Khagrachhari

Police have detained a young man in Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila following allegations that he raped a fifth-grade schoolgirl. Before police arrived, local residents reportedly confined the suspect in a locked room.

The incident allegedly occurred at around 11:30am on Tuesday (August 4) in the Singginala area of the upazila.

The detainee, Mohammad Sharif Hossain, worked cutting grass for cattle at the home of Ehsanul Haque (Rubel Bhandari), a local resident.

According to the victim's family, the girl was on her way to school in the morning when Sharif allegedly intercepted her, took her into a nearby wooded area, and raped her.

The child later informed one of her classmates and a teacher at her school about the alleged assault.

After learning of the incident, local residents went to the scene, detained the suspect, and locked him inside a room until police arrived and took him into custody.

Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Kaykislu said the victim would be sent to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital for a medical examination.

He added that legal proceedings are underway.

Police said the allegations will be investigated, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings.