Police have arrested four Marma youths over allegations that they repeatedly raped a teenage girl and left her pregnant in Ruma Upazila of Bandarban.
The accused, all residents of Tongmak Para under Paindu Union, were arrested on Sunday evening after the victim’s father filed a case with Ruma Police Station seeking legal action.
Ruma Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Manas Barua said the alleged incident took place four to five months ago.
Police arrested three accused through a raid after receiving the complaint, while locals handed over another accused to police earlier on Sunday.
A case was filed against them under relevant sections of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.
The accused reportedly confessed during preliminary questioning, the OC said.
They will be produced before a court on Monday after completion of legal procedures, he added.
Family members said the incident came to light recently after one of the accused, Nyochingang Marma, allegedly gave the victim some tablets and asked her to take them.
She fell ill after taking the medicine, prompting her family to investigate.
The victim later disclosed the names of the accused during questioning by her guardians.
The accused were identified as Kya Sing Nu Marma, Nyochingang Marma, Ching Hla Mong Marma and U Shai Nu Marma.
Police said the victim was admitted to hospital after falling ill, where medical authorities informed police on Friday that she had allegedly been subjected to gang rape and an attempt had been made to terminate the pregnancy.
She was later shifted from Ruma Hospital to Bandarban Sadar Hospital for better treatment.
Paindu Union Parishad Chairman U Hla Mong Marma said he was aware of the incident and police were taking legal action.
Earlier in May, a widow was allegedly gang-raped in Headman Para of Paindu Union. Four youths were arrested in that case and are currently in jail.
