Wednesday, 01 October, 2025
The government medical board examining the Marma woman at the centre of the Khagrachhari case has reported finding “no evidence of rape”, according to the doctor who led the team.
The disclosure comes against the backdrop of violent unrest in Khagrachhari District, where allegations of rape sparked clashes between indigenous residents of the Chattogram Hill Tracts and security forces, leaving at least three members of the indigenous community dead and dozens more injured.
Dr Joya Chakma of Khagrachhari Modern District Hospital, who chaired the three-member board, said on Tuesday: “We have submitted the report to the authorities. All necessary examinations were carried out.”
A copy of the medical report, obtained by bdnews24.com, shows that all 10 indicators of the test were recorded as “normal”.
According to the report, which was written on Sept 28, the sample was collected on Sept 24, a day after the victim was found "unconscious" in a field.
Her father subsequently filed a rape complaint at the Sadar Police Station. Police, with assistance from the Army, arrested a suspect the next day.
Protests demanding justice soon erupted across Khagrachhari and turned violent.
Despite the imposition of a ban on public gatherings under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and deployment of additional Army and BGB troops, the situation deteriorated.
On Sunday, three people were shot dead during clashes in Guimara.
On Tuesday, while inspecting the affected areas in Guimara, Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khondoker announced the formation of an inquiry committee over the violence.
Earlier in the day, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury claimed that the violence in Khagrachhari was instigated with the intention of disrupting the Durga Puja celebrations.
Meanwhile, the Jumma Chhatra Janata has suspended its blockade in Khagrachhari until Oct 5, following four days of protests. In a media statement issued at 9pm on Tuesday via their Facebook page, the group announced the decision.
The statement said the suspension came after receiving assurance from the authorities to implement eight key demands, and in respect of the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations.
The statement also said the protests had been initiated following the “gang-rape” of a schoolgirl from the Jumma community in Khagrachhari on Sept 23.
The group had demanded swift arrests of the perpetrators and exemplary punishment.
On Monday, a six-member delegation from the group participated in a law and order meeting convened by the Khagrachhari district administrator. During the meeting, the delegation presented their eight demands, which the authorities assured would be met.
Authorities also confirmed that, in the event of the blockade being lifted, Section 144, which had been imposed, would be withdrawn. Later, a five-member investigation committee was formed to probe the incident in Guimara.
After a meeting with the Jumma representatives, key officials, including the district council chief, DC, SP, and the Upazila administrator of Guimara, visited the affected area in Guimara.
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The government medical board examining the Marma woman at the centre of the Khagrachhari case has reported finding “no evidence of rape”, according to the doctor who led the team.
The disclosure comes against the backdrop of violent unrest in Khagrachhari District, where allegations of rape sparked clashes between indigenous residents of the Chattogram Hill Tracts and security forces, leaving at least three members of the indigenous community dead and dozens more injured.
Dr Joya Chakma of Khagrachhari Modern District Hospital, who chaired the three-member board, said on Tuesday: “We have submitted the report to the authorities. All necessary examinations were carried out.”
A copy of the medical report, obtained by bdnews24.com, shows that all 10 indicators of the test were recorded as “normal”.
According to the report, which was written on Sept 28, the sample was collected on Sept 24, a day after the victim was found "unconscious" in a field.
Her father subsequently filed a rape complaint at the Sadar Police Station. Police, with assistance from the Army, arrested a suspect the next day.
Protests demanding justice soon erupted across Khagrachhari and turned violent.
Despite the imposition of a ban on public gatherings under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and deployment of additional Army and BGB troops, the situation deteriorated.
On Sunday, three people were shot dead during clashes in Guimara.
On Tuesday, while inspecting the affected areas in Guimara, Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khondoker announced the formation of an inquiry committee over the violence.
Earlier in the day, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury claimed that the violence in Khagrachhari was instigated with the intention of disrupting the Durga Puja celebrations.
Meanwhile, the Jumma Chhatra Janata has suspended its blockade in Khagrachhari until Oct 5, following four days of protests. In a media statement issued at 9pm on Tuesday via their Facebook page, the group announced the decision.
The statement said the suspension came after receiving assurance from the authorities to implement eight key demands, and in respect of the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations.
The statement also said the protests had been initiated following the “gang-rape” of a schoolgirl from the Jumma community in Khagrachhari on Sept 23.
The group had demanded swift arrests of the perpetrators and exemplary punishment.
On Monday, a six-member delegation from the group participated in a law and order meeting convened by the Khagrachhari district administrator. During the meeting, the delegation presented their eight demands, which the authorities assured would be met.
Authorities also confirmed that, in the event of the blockade being lifted, Section 144, which had been imposed, would be withdrawn. Later, a five-member investigation committee was formed to probe the incident in Guimara.
After a meeting with the Jumma representatives, key officials, including the district council chief, DC, SP, and the Upazila administrator of Guimara, visited the affected area in Guimara.
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