Rape survivor threatened to withdraw case

A family of a rape survivor is reportedly being threatened to withdraw the case filed against the alleged rapist in Gazipur.

Family members allege they are too scared to leave the house or send their children to school.

Bason police station recorded a case in connection to the rape on Tuesday against Imran Hossain alias Anwar, 45, of Bakerganj upazila in Barisal.

Basan police station OC AKM Kawsar Ahmed Chowdhury said: “We have not been informed about the threats. The rape suspect is currently on the run and we are trying to apprehend him.”

According to the case statement, the rape survivor was called to a meeting with Imran for discussing possible job prospects on February 15. 

Imran sent his female accomplice to escort her to his house and as she mistook his accomplice as Imran’s wife, she went with her.

When Imran started to come on to her, the woman rejected his advances which then lead to the rapeas his accomplice stood guard.

She told Dhaka Tribune that she initially decided to remain silent over the matter because of social stigma, but the day after the incident, Imran threatened her over the phone and demanded Tk2 lakh.

She was on the verge of a mental breakdown and tried to commit suicide when her brother stopped her.

Then with her brother’s help, she filed a case against Imran and his accomplice.

She also said, Imran had been calling her and her family members to withdraw the case and threatened to file ghost cases against them if she did not comply. 

Imran along with at least 15 people are reportedly threatening the family.

Also a person identifying as a RAB official has been calling incessantly (from the number 01400046054) to withdraw the case and asking her to meet. 

After the number was called to verify if the person was indeed a RAB official, the call was disconnected and later the mobile was switched off.