Cox’s Bazar gang rape: 3 more arrested, although not prime accused

Cox’s Bazar Tourist Police made three more arrests early Sunday in connection with the gang rape of a married tourist in the country’s biggest tourism hub last week.

However none of the three arrested today are among the prime accused in the case.

The arrestees are Rezaul Karim Sahabuddin, 25, Mehedi Hasan, 21, and Mamunur Rashid, 28, all belonging in the district.

The arrests were made during a drive in different places of the district in the early hours of Sunday, confirmed Additional DIG of Tourist Police of Chattogram Division Mohammad Moslemuddin.

Police said the individuals arrested today were found to be involved in the crime indirectly during investigation.

They are also hopeful that the arrestees can lead them to the prime accused – Ashiqul Islam Ashiq, Esrafil Huda Joy and Mehedi Hasan Babu – who are still absconding.

According to the police, there are 17 cases against the prime accused Ashik, including for assaulting women, possessing drugs and illegal arms. There are also two cases against Esrafil Huda Joy, the DIG added.

Earlier on Saturday, Riaz Uddin Chhotan, manager of a hotel that was one of two locations where the woman was raped was arrested and remanded for four days. So far, four people have been arrested in the case.

On Friday, the court recorded the victim’s statement, said inspector Ruhul Amin, investigation officer in the case.

On Thursday, the woman’s husband filed the case under the Prevention of Women & Children Repression Act at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station accusing seven people.

Source: United News of Bangladesh