A 55-year-old man has been accused of attempting to rape a six-and-a-half-year-old girl in Rangpur city after allegedly luring her with potato chips.
The incident took place on Monday at around 7pm in the Kalabari area of Mahiganj in Rangpur metropolitan city. The accused has been identified as Badiar Rahman, 55.
Eyewitnesses said the accused first gave potato chips to the child in front of Khosher’s shop in the Kalabari area. While she was eating, he allegedly took her to a nearby jute field and attempted to rape her. The child’s screams alerted shopkeepers and locals, who rushed to the spot and rescued her. The accused fled the scene.
Officer-in-Charge of Rangpur Metropolitan Police Station Maidul Islam said he visited the spot with police after receiving information. He said statements were taken from locals, eyewitnesses and the child’s parents.
He added that primary evidence supports the allegation and a case has been filed. Police are conducting raids to arrest the accused.
The child’s parents demanded immediate arrest and maximum punishment for the accused. They said they could not accept what happened to their six-and-a-half-year-old daughter.
A tense situation prevailed in the area after the incident. Parents and guardians expressed concern. Locals said the accused’s family members also left the area after the incident.
Police said Badiar Rahman has two children. His daughter is alive, while his son reportedly died by suicide earlier.
