A case has been filed against two men in Muladi, Barishal, over allegations of gang rape, filming the assault, and attempting extortion from an elderly widow.
The victim filed the case on Thursday (April 30) with the Barishal Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. The accused have been identified as Halim Bepari (60) and Masud Khandakar (40), both residents of Char Lakshmipur village in Muladi.
According to the case statement, Halim Bepari had long been harassing the woman by making obscene gestures and indecent proposals while passing by her house. When the victim sought justice from local community leaders, the accused allegedly became enraged and issued threats.
The complaint states that on April 22 at around 9:30 pm, the two accused went to the woman’s house and entered the premises by trickery. Halim Bepari allegedly raped the woman first, while Masud Khandakar recorded the incident. He then allegedly assaulted her as well.
The accused later allegedly used the video to demand Tk 200,000, threatening to release it on social media if their demand was not met. After failing to get justice locally, the victim sought legal action eight days after the incident.
Halim Bepari denied the allegation of gang rape, stating:
“Masud Khandakar recorded an obscene video of the woman, and it has already spread to several mobile phones. However, I am not aware of any demand for money.”
Muladi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khandakar Md. Sohel Rana confirmed the matter, saying:
“Preliminary investigation indicates the truth of the allegations of gang rape, video recording, and extortion.”
“A case has been filed with the Barishal court, and we will take necessary action after receiving court orders.”
Authorities said further legal proceedings will follow in accordance with the court’s directives.
