Challenged girl raped by elderly man

A 12-year-old speech and hearing impaired girl was raped allegedly by her elderly neighbour at Kashiabari village in Aditmari upazila of the district on Tuesday.

Parents of the victim said locals could not take the girl to hospital for treatment as the alleged rapist's men obstructed them.

Local people said Suruzzman Mia, 62, alias Chunnu Mia took the girl to a tobacco field beside their homestead and raped her.

Sensing something wrong in the middle of the field, neighbours went there and rescued the girl from the spot.

Chunnu Mia, however, fled the scene sensing the presence of the villagers.

A local community leader said they have decided to settle the matter through arbitration within the shortest possible time.