Rape victim in fear of life
Accused threatening her family, she alleges
A rape victim and her family members in Gazipur city are passing days fearing for their lives, as the rape accused and his associates are allegedly threatening them.
The family claimed that the perpetrator wants to hush up the issue and settle it through "social arbitration".
Two children of the family have stopped going to school in the last few days, while other members have limited their movement outside home in fear of attack by the accused Imran Hossain (45) and his associates, said the victim.
Imran Hossain on February 15 morning lured the victim to his rented house at Rawshan Sarak area in the city. Previously acquainted with the victim, he told her to visit his home with the false promise of a job.
Once the victim reached the house, Imran forced himself on her, while one of his female associates stood guard outside.
In fear of social stigma, the victim intially did not disclose the matter. But a day later, Imran called her and attempted to blackmail her, saying she would have to pay him Tk 2 lakh unless she agrees to visit his house again.
Severely distraught, the victim attempted to take her own life on February 16, but her brother found her and later she told him about the incident.
On February 18, the victim filed a rape case against Imran and his female associate with Basan Police Station under Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP).
The victim claims that since then, the accused and at least a dozen of his associates have been pressuring her family to withdraw the case. "They tried to threaten us into leaving this area," said the victim.
"Meanwhile, someone claiming to be a law enforcer called me and said to hush up the matter," she added.
The Daily Star's Gazipur correspondent contacted the above mentioned number. Upon mentioning the correspondent's identification, the receiver hung up and switched off the phone.
Contacted, Kawsar Ahmed Chowdhury, officer-in-charge (OC) of Basan Police Station, yesterday said police are trying to arrest the accused and taking necessary measures to ensure the victim and her family's safety.