Police have arrested the prime suspect in the case of alleged rape and subsequent death of a female Union Parishad (UP) member from Maijpara union in Narail Sadar upazila.
The incident reportedly occurred on December 24, following a phone call from the suspect, Rajibul, who lured UP member Basana Mallik to his location under the pretense of repaying a debt of tk 10,000. Basana, who had just concluded official duties distributing TCB goods, went to meet him. Allegedly, Rajibul and an accomplice raped her. Following the assault, Basana consumed a toxic substance, reportedly out of shame and despair.
Basana's son and daughter-in-law stated that she returned home around 8:00 PM on December 24, and soon began vomiting. Her condition worsened and she was admitted to Jashore General Hospital the next day. After two days of treatment, she passed away on the night of December 26.
The victim's son also alleged that the accused recorded a video clip of the rape incident and demanded Tk 2 lakh from Basana. When she refused and warned them to disclose the incident, they fed poison to her.
Local representatives and her colleagues have also expressed outrage, demanding the perpetrators be brought to justice.
Narail Sadar Police Station officer-in-charge Sajedul Islam stated, "Preliminary evidence suggests Basana Mallik died due to poisoning. However, allegations of sexual assault related to an extramarital affair are also being investigated thoroughly."
