Man accused of raping child confined by mob in Ctg

A man accused of raping a minor child was confined by angry locals in Chattogram’s Bakalia area on Thursday evening, triggering tension in the neighbourhood.

The incident took place in Chairman Ghat area under ward no 19 of Bakalia Police Station.

Police said the victim, aged between three and four years, was rescued and sent to the One-Stop Crisis Centre (OCC) of Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for treatment.

According to local sources, residents gathered in large numbers after the allegation spread in the area and surrounded a building where the accused youth was believed to be staying.

When police attempted to bring the suspect out of the building, locals reportedly obstructed them and demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment.

Video footage from the scene showed an agitated crowd trying to snatch the accused from police custody, while tension continued to prevail in the area till the evening.

Bakalia Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Mohammad Solaiman said police rushed to the spot after receiving information and legal procedures were underway.

“The child has been sent to hospital for treatment. The accused has been identified and legal action is being taken,” the OC added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (South Division) Mohammad Kabir Bhuiyan stated that additional police forces were deployed at the scene to bring the situation under control, as locals continued to surround the building.

"We are handling the situation and the suspect will be brought to justice," he assured.

AM