Tied to tree, publicly humiliated, schoolgirl attempts suicide

GOPALGANJ, Aug 01: A 13-year-old schoolgirl allegedly attempted suicide after she and a young man were tied to a tree and publicly abused at a school in Gopalganj's Kashiani upazila. Her family said she drank poison after a video of the incident spread on social media.

According to locals, the incident took place on July 28 at a secondary school. The girl, 13, is a Class VIII student. A video of the incident was shared on Facebook on Friday night. The girl's family claimed that she later drank poison after suffering mental distress and public humiliation.

Locals alleged that the school authorities have not taken any action, although three days have passed since the incident.

According to local sources and the video, the girl was brought to the school from outside the campus. The young man was brought from his home. Some local people claimed that the two had been seen together the previous day.

They were allegedly tied to a tree inside the school compound with a towel. They were then physically and mentally abused in front of teachers, students and local residents. Some people recorded the incident on video, which was later shared on social media.

Locals alleged that Nayan Barai, Joy Sikder, Mission Roy and several others were involved in the incident. Nayan Barai denied the allegation. He said some local youths were taking the pair through his area after they had been found in what he described as a compromising situation.

"I took them to the school and handed them over to their guardians. I do not know anything about tying them to a tree or abusing them," he said.

According to the girl's family and local residents, the video caused severe embarrassment and mental suffering. They said this led the girl to drink poison. She was first taken to a local health centre. As her condition worsened, she was referred to the 250-bed Gopalganj General Hospital, where she is now receiving treatment.

Headteacher Indrajit Sarkar said he was not at the school on the day of the incident.

Officer-in-Charge of Kashiani Police Station Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman said police have not yet received any complaint.