Woman ‘raped’ after husband attacked in Rajshahi

A woman was allegedly raped after her husband was attacked at Sardah Railway Station in Charghat upazila of Rajshahi early hours of today (28 April).

Confirming the incident, Charghat Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Malek said a case has been filed and efforts are underway to arrest the accused.

According to police and the victims, the couple – who earn a living selling popcorn on trains – had travelled from Natore sadar for work. After completing sales on the Dhaka Mail train, they got down at Sardah Station around 1am.

They later sat at a nearby tea stall when an assailant attacked them with a stick and a sharp weapon.

The attacker first assaulted the husband, leaving him seriously injured, and tied him up beside an abandoned shop. The accused then took the woman to a nearby bush and raped her. The attacker also took away their earnings from popcorn sales.

The husband was rescued by locals after he cried out for help. He later located his wife with assistance from locals.

The couple identified the alleged attacker as Ashraful Islam, a resident of Charghat upazila.

Station Master Iqbal Kabir said railway staff became aware of the incident later in the night, although three employees were on duty at the time. "Police are currently investigating the matter."