HC ensures rape survivor's safety, orders online content wiped in 24-hour

The High Court has directed authorities to ensure adequate security and medical care for a woman who was raped in Muradnagar upazila of Cumilla, and ordered the removal of all videos and photos of the victim from social media within 24 hours.

The court also instructed police to submit a progress report on the investigation within the next 15 days.

The orders came on Sunday from a bench comprising Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Syed Zahid Mansoor following a hearing on a writ petition filed by lawyer Mir AKM Nurunnabi.

According to police, on June 26, Fozor Ali, 36, allegedly raped the wife of an expatriate in Ramchandrapur Panchkitta village of Muradnagar. Locals caught and beat him, but he managed to flee. During the incident, some bystanders recorded videos of the victim and later circulated them on social media.

A police statement confirmed that Muradnagar police have since arrested Fozor Ali and taken legal action against him. Additionally, four people have been detained for filming and sharing the footage online. Police say the suspects are being prosecuted under relevant laws.

A case has been filed with Muradnagar Police Station based on the victim’s written complaint.

The High Court’s directives aim to uphold the survivor’s privacy, ensure her safety, and accelerate justice in a case that has sparked widespread outrage over the exploitation of victims through social media.