Jahangirnagar University authorities have filed a case against an unidentified individual over the alleged attempted rape and murder of a female student on campus last night (12 May).
Deputy Registrar (Security Section) Md Gafrul Hasan Chowdhury filed the case at Ashulia Police Station this morning.
Ashulia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Torigul Islam said, “The case was recorded this morning. We have collected CCTV footage of the incident and are working alongside the Detective Branch (DB) and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) to arrest the suspect. We hope to make an arrest soon.”
According to university authorities, the incident occurred around 11:15pm on the road between the abandoned old Fazilatunnesa Hall and the extension of Al Beruni Hall.
Quoting the victim, university security officials said the student was walking along the road when an unidentified man began following her.
When she reached the road beside Fazilatunnesa Hall, the suspect allegedly tried to drag her into nearby bushes after wrapping a cloth-like object around her neck.
Several students on motorcycles heard her screams and rushed to rescue her.
Mohammad Ali Chishti, who was passing by in an autorickshaw, said he initially thought it was an accident after hearing the cries.
“When I went closer, I found the victim. She told us someone had tried to rape her. We then searched the area with others present and informed the university authorities,” he said.
Deputy Registrar Gafrul said university officials rushed to the scene after being alerted by students and conducted a search, but failed to find the suspect.
The victim was taken to the university medical centre for treatment, while CCTV footage was being reviewed to identify the attacker, he added.
He said CCTV footage showed the suspect dragging the student towards a bushy area beside the extended part of Al Beruni Hall after wrapping a net-like object around her neck.
University Proctor AKM Rashidul Alam said authorities are working with law enforcement to identify and arrest the suspect.
He said CCTV footage clearly showed the suspect’s face and efforts are underway to confirm his identity.
Preliminary information suggests the suspect is not a university student, he added.
He added that the administration is “deeply shocked” by the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of the offender and exemplary punishment.
