The Police Headquarters in Dhaka has given a rejoinder to a report titled "Teen raped by ruling party 'hoodlums' in Satkhira" published in The Daily Star on November 20.

The rejoinder said, "After verification with Satkhira Police Superintendent in-Charge, it was found that certain aspects of the report did not give the total picture.

It denied ruling party men's involvement in the incident. It also rejected the information in the story that the victim was abducted at night from the veranda of a house while she was asleep.

Citing a case filed with Tala Police Station on November 9, the rejoinder said the victim was raped at a wayside field while she was returning home from a shop at about 7 pm on November 7. The accused persons, Khitish Gain, Prasanta Gain and Jagadish Gain have been arrested and sent to court after being identified by the victim. Three other accused persons are absconding. They are Ajay Gain, Nokul Gain and Haran Gain. All accused persons are from Kapasdanga village. Efforts are being made to arrest the absconding accused persons. The victim is still undergoing treatment at Satkhira General Hospital, the rejoinder added.

Our Satkhira Correspondent's reply: The report was based on a statement made by victim's mother after the incident.