Feni rape: Court orders probe report over ostracizing family

A court in Feni has ordered the police to investigate the authenticity of ostracizing a family seeking justice for the rape of their teenage daughter. 

Chief Judicial Magistrate Mohammad Abdur Rahim passed the order on March 1 and asked the officer-in-charge of Fulgazi police station to verify the incident and submit a report within three working days in this regard.

According to locals, accused Constable Touhidul Islam Shaon, a resident of Basikpur village in Fulgazi upazila, was acquainted with the girl and took her to a house in Feni town on June 1 last year.

The police constable served the girl juice that was spiked with drugs, and raped her several times when she lost consciousness. 

As she protested against the incident after her senses came back, Shaon threatened to spread her private videos and photographs on Facebook.

Also Read - Feni family ostracized for seeking rape justice

Later on, when the girl became pregnant, local influential people attempted to cover up the incident. 

She gave birth to a baby girl on February 11 at Fulgazi Upazila Health Complex. Relatives of the girl informed the matter to Shaon who denied the paternity of the child.

On February 23, mother of the teenager filed a case against Shaon, his parents Aminul Islam and Shanu, and one Firoz Ahmed Babu. 

Meanwhile, the family of the teenager was ostracized by other villagers following the incident.

The family complained that they were forcefully confined to their home for not withdrawing the case.

The villagers were not allowing them to use anything except the water in a pond. They were not allowed to go to any shop and communicate with anyone.

On February 26, police arrested Shaon from Rangamati.

With the family's consent, the newborn was sent for adoption three days after birth.