Woman raped after husband assaulted in Rajshahi

A woman was allegedly raped after her husband was attacked and injured in Charghat Upazila early Wednesday, in an incident that has prompted a police manhunt.

The assault took place near Sardah Railway Station in the early hours of the day, according to police and victim accounts.

The couple, who make a living selling popcorn on trains and at railway stations, had just finished their day’s work when the attack occurred. After getting off a Dhaka-bound train around 1:00 am, they stopped at a nearby tea stall when the accused allegedly launched the attack using a stick and a sharp weapon.

The husband was beaten and seriously injured, and their earnings were reportedly stolen. Fearing for his life after seeing the attacker armed with a knife, he fled the scene. The suspect then allegedly forced the woman into a nearby wooded area and raped her.

According to the husband, the victim cried out for help during the ordeal, but it took around 45 minutes before locals responded and rescued her.

A case has been filed with Charghat Police Station against the accused, identified as Ashraful Islam, 35, a resident of Jagirpara village in the upazila.

Station Master Iqbal Kabir said railway authorities were not immediately aware of the incident, which occurred late at night, but were informed later.

Officer-in-charge Abdul Malek said multiple police teams are conducting operations to arrest the suspect.