Woman gang-raped and killed in Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya

A woman was allegedly gang-raped and killed in the early hours today (3 March) in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar, police said.

The incident took place in a secluded area while the woman had woken up for sehri before dawn.

According to police and family members, several masked assailants entered the house around 3am and allegedly raped and assaulted her, reports Prothom Alo.

Confirming the incident, Nur Ahmad, officer-in-charge (OC) of Ukhiya Police Station, said that the victim sustained multiple injuries.

“The woman woke up for sehri at dawn when miscreants entered the house. Allegations have been made that she was raped and then killed,” he said.

Her body has been recovered and sent to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy, he said, adding that further details would be known after the post-mortem report is received.

Police have launched an operation in the area to identify and arrest those involved, the OC added.

Neighbours said after hearing the victim’s screams, they rushed to the scene, prompting the assailants to flee. The woman succumbed to her injuries shortly afterwards in front of local residents.

Family members alleged that the crime may have been linked to an ongoing land dispute with neighbours. The victim’s husband is currently living abroad.

Speaking to reporters, the victim’s elder brother-in-law claimed that the attackers had planned the assault and murder over the land conflict, adding that there were visible head injuries on her body.