A woman was reportedly raped while sleeping on a footpath in the Bijoypur Bazar area of Sadar Dakshin upazila in Cumilla. The incident sparked widespread outrage after CCTV footage of the assault went viral on social media on Saturday.
The assault occurred at approximately 4:08am last Tuesday, in front of Masud Confectionery shop on the Cumilla-Noakhali regional highway. The footage shows a man dressed in a white shirt and a lungi, approaching the sleeping woman and raping her before fleeing the scene.
The police identified the suspect as Khokon, 50, from the Durgapur area near Bijoypur Bazar. Local sources identified the suspect as a well-known gambler.
Sadar South Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rokibul Islam confirmed that the authorities became aware of the incident through the viral video.
“By analysing the footage, we have identified the suspect and multiple police teams are currently conducting raids to arrest him,” the OC added.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) for Cumilla Sadar Dakshin Circle Mostain Billah Ferdous, said legal action is being processed. He added that efforts are ongoing to confirm the victim’s identity and ensure she receives the necessary medical treatment and support.
