Woman allegedly raped for voting for Shapla Koli symbol in Hatia

A woman, 32, has allegedly been raped and tortured in her house in Chanandi Union of Hatia upazila over casting vote for Shapla koli symbol. The victim is a resident of a Ashrayan project in the Nalerchar area.

She came to the hospital for treatment on Saturday afternoon and gave a detailed account of the incident to reporters. After receiving primary treatment in the emergency department of the hospital, she was admitted to the gynecology department. Doctors said that a final opinion will be given after necessary tests.

Emergency Medical Officer of the hospital Dr. Mostafizur Rahman said that a 32-year-old woman from Hatia complained of beating and sexual assault around 11 pm on Friday. She was immediately admitted and is being given necessary treatment.

The victim claimed that three men entered her house around 11 pm on Friday. Two of them stood at the door and she alleged that one named 'Rahman' raped her. She also said that her husband was tied up at that time. He alleged that the incident was caused for casting vote for 'Shapla Koli' symbol in the elections.

She further said that the next morning, a group of 50 to 100 people attacked their house with sticks. The door and furniture of the house were vandalized and she was dragged and physically tortured. She claimed to be seriously injured due to the beating and is unable to walk normally.

Initially, she kept the matter secret due to social reasons, but when her physical condition deteriorated, she came to seek treatment and revealed the incident. She said that she is currently physically and mentally disturbed.

NCP central member Tuhin Imran condemned the incident and demanded a fair investigation and punishment of the guilty.

On the other hand, Hatia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Saiful Islam said that the matter is not yet officially known; necessary action will be taken after investigation.

BNP candidate from Hatia with the symbol of paddy sheaf and Chattogram divisional organizing secretary Mahbuber Rahman Shamim has claimed that the incident is not correct and may have been staged.

Tension prevails in the area surrounding the incident. According to locals, a quick and impartial investigation is necessary to determine the truth of the allegations. However, no official information about the case or arrest has been received till the time of writing this report.