Woman gang-raped on pretext of crossing river in Khulna, 3 arrested

A horrific incident of gang rape has been reported in Terokhada upazila of Khulna, where a woman was allegedly lured onto a boat under the pretense of being helped across a river. The assault took place late Monday night at an abandoned government primary school in Shyamnagar, Madhupur union. Upon receiving information, police rescued the victim and admitted her to Khulna Medical College Hospital for medical attention.

According to police and local sources, the victim was waiting at the Beleghat area in Madhupur union aiming to cross over to Dighalia. Taking advantage of the late hour, individuals engaged in river fishing offered to ferry her across. However, instead of taking her to her destination, they forcibly took her to the deserted school building a few hundred yards from the riverbank, where she was subjected to repeated sexual assault.

Following the incident, police conducted a swift raid in the locality and arrested three prime suspects: Samiul Sheikh (28), Mazaharul Kazi (22), and Shahjahan Sharif (38), all residents of the Madhupur area. Additional Superintendent of Police in Khulna, Abir Siddique Shuvro, confirmed that legal proceedings are underway against the accused and strict actions will be taken.

Law enforcement authorities confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to determine whether any others were complicit in the crime. The incident has sparked shock among residents, prompting demands for intensified night patrols and heightened security along remote riverbank transit points to safeguard commuters.