The Hill Women’s Federation has accused the interim government of negligence and delay in punishing the real culprit in the gang rape of a Tripura schoolgirl in Bhaibonchora area of Khagrachhari.
Leaders of the organisation made these allegations at a press conference organisof ed at Jatiya Press Club in the capital on Wednesday.
According to their statement on June 27, the victim was raped by six Bengali settlers while she was taking shelter in a relative’s mess in the Bhaibonchora Bazar area. They also accused the culprits of blackmailing the victim with a recording of the incident.
Four men – Arman Hossain, Emon Hossain, Enayet Hossain, and Saddam Hossain – were arrested in connection with the incident.
Hill Women’s Federation leaders said that the police’s initial disregard for the incident led to a delay in the victim’s medical examination, leading to the possibility of evidence being lost in the medical report.
They claimed that the student attempted suicide due to fear, shame and social pressure, adding that the police had not initiated any effective investigation into the allegations of abetment to suicide.
With regards to preventing rape, sexual assault, and violence against women in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the Foundation made four demands: Immediate referral of the victim to the One Stop Crisis Center in Chittagong for advanced medical examination, establishment of One Stop Crisis Centers in the hilly districts, proper investigation and legal assistance for victims of sexual violence , and end of military intervention in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and establishment of democratic governance.