An allegation of a late-night break-in, attempted rape, and robbery has surfaced from the Borobhag Modhyapara area of Latibabad Union in Kishoreganj Sadar Upazila, where a speech- and hearing-impaired woman was reportedly tied up by her hands and feet with her mouth muffled. The incident has sparked intense outrage and sensation in the area.
A formal written complaint regarding the matter was filed by the victim’s family at the Kishoreganj Sadar Model Police Station on Saturday (May 30).
According to the complaint, around 3:30 AM on May 23, Md. Roni Miah (28), son of the late Iqbal Hossain from the Borobhag Modhyapara area, along with two or three unidentified accomplices, entered the disabled woman’s house in a premeditated manner. The victim is an orphan and speech- and hearing-impaired. She lived alone in a tin-shed room built with the assistance of local residents, right next to her uncle’s homestead.
The family claims that the accused, Roni Miah, has long been involved in drug trading and various criminal activities. He frequently loitered around the woman’s house. The victim’s family alleged that whenever they protested his behavior, they were threatened with dire consequences and death.
The complaint further states that on the night of the incident, the perpetrators entered the house by removing the wooden slats of a window while their accomplices stood guard outside. Once inside, Roni Miah used a scarf (orna) to tie the woman’s hands, feet, and mouth, and attempted to rape her. Her clothes were torn during the ensuing struggle.
At one point, the woman managed to make groaning sounds, prompting nearby relatives and neighbors to rush to the scene. As locals began banging on the door, Roni Miah fled the scene, stealing 10,000 BDT in cash, nearly three bhoris (approx. 35 grams) of silver jewelry, and a pair of silver anklets. He reportedly pushed down those standing near the door while escaping. Family members then entered the room and rescued the victim from her bound state. Later, using sign language, the woman narrated the details of the assault.
The victim’s uncle, Md. Monju Miah, filed the written complaint with the Kishoreganj Model Police Station as the plaintiff. Roni Miah has been named as the primary accused, alongside two to three unidentified individuals.
The plaintiff alleged that when they sought justice from local leaders and elders the day after the incident, the leaders delayed the process under the pretext of an amicable settlement. He further claimed that attempts were made to cover up the incident and that relatives of the accused are threatening to kill the victim’s family if they proceed with a lawsuit. The plaintiff stated they finally approached the police after local arbitration efforts failed.
The victim’s cousin, Mohammad Zakir, said:
“My cousin is speech-impaired and disabled. Hearing her groans during the incident, we woke up and rushed to her room only to find her hands and feet tied. There were scratch marks on her hands, her clothes were torn, and her hair was disheveled. They tried to snatch her nose ring and stole her anklets. They also took all the money from the house.
When we questioned her, she indicated through signs that a man named Roni from the neighboring area did this. This man has long been involved in theft and mugging in the locality. Local arbitrations were held multiple times before, but we never received proper justice.
My sister is a helpless, disabled person who survives on charity. They took her money, anklets, mobile phone, flashlight, and even her disability allowance card. They even stole the clothes given to her by relatives for Eid. We demand a proper investigation into this incident and exemplary punishment for the culprits.”
Kamal Hossain, a local resident, commented:
“The girl’s mother passed away a long time ago, and her father died recently. Currently, she is living a very helpless life. The locals support her as much as they can. The accused is notoriously known in the area for theft. He was caught previously for theft and handled through local arbitration. The police have also detained him multiple times, but he returns to crime as soon as he gets out of jail.”
Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kishoreganj Sadar Model Police Station, stated that the complaint is being investigated with utmost seriousness. Prompt legal action will be taken against those involved once the facts of the incident are verified.
Md. Mizanur Rahman Shahin
Kishoreganj Correspondent