Summary:
- A 30-year-old rape suspect, Shahnewaz Abir Raju, escaped police custody in Kurigram’s Rowmari upazila after his mother and cousin attacked officers during a raid.
- Sub-Inspector Awal Hossain sustained injuries during the altercation and is undergoing treatment, though his condition is stable.
- Police arrested Raju’s mother and cousin, recovering a machete (Ramda) from the scene, and are pursuing charges against Raju for rape, assaulting officials, and obstruction.
- The accused had allegedly raped a disabled schoolgirl on February 17 and later intimidated locals, including the victim’s family, while evading arrest.
A handcuffed rape suspect escaped police custody following a violent confrontation with officers during an arrest operation in Kurigram’s Rowmari upazila Monday night. The incident left a police sub-inspector injured and prompted the arrest of two family members accused of aiding the escape.
Shahnewaz Abir Raju, 30, accused of raping a disabled schoolgirl and involvement in drug dealing, fled after his mother and cousin assaulted officers during a raid at his aunt’s residence in Dhanarchar Charergram. The attack occurred around 10pm as police attempted to arrest Raju, who had been hiding since the alleged February 17 rape.
Sub-Inspector Awal Hossain, leading the three-member police team, sustained injuries during the altercation and is undergoing treatment at Rowmari Health Complex. Resident Medical Officer Nabiul Islam confirmed his condition is stable.
Raju was initially apprehended with several Yaba pills during the raid but escaped when his mother, Abeda Akhter Razia, 48, and cousin, Runa Akhter, 23, attacked the officers. Police later arrested both women and recovered a machete (Ramda) from the scene.
“The police conducted a raid on Monday night, but the accused Raju managed to escape after attacking the officers,” said local Union Parishad member Abdul Baten. Assistant Superintendent of Police Mominul Islam declined to elaborate, citing ongoing duties, but confirmed the injured officer was “bitten and injured” during the clash.
Authorities are processing charges against Raju for rape, assaulting officials, and obstructing government work. Efforts to contact Rowmari Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Lutfar Rahman were unsuccessful.
Raju, a resident of Kashiabari village, had reportedly intimidated the victim’s family and locals by brandishing weapons prior to the rape allegation. The victim’s family filed a formal complaint, prompting the police operation.
