Prime accused in rape case arrested in Keraniganj

In an overnight operation, members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Wasim Uddin, the prime suspect in a long-pending sensitive rape case in Keraniganj district in the early hours today (November 13).

This joint operation was carried out by RAB-3 and RAB-10 teams.

The arrest took place in Keraniganj after 47-year-old Wasim, son of late Gias Uddin, evaded authorities by settling in Wari, Dhaka.

His residence address was listed as 65/C Narinda, Shah Saheb Lane in Wari.

According to preliminary investigation, Wasim first met the victim during the 2018 national elections when both were busy with election-related work.

This encounter led to the development of a personal relationship in which Wasim allegedly proposed both love and marriage even after it was learned that the victim was a divorced woman.

It was reported that the suspect assured the marriage victim by swearing in the name of the Holy Quran and Allah in order to gain her trust, and then had physical intercourse with her many times in the house he rented and other suitable places.

Further investigation revealed that Wasim took advantage of the relationship by borrowing large amounts of money from various NGOs, using the victim as a so-called wife.

When the victim finally confronted Wasim’s first wife and daughter about the marriage and financial issues, they assured him of a solution.

However, Wasim ultimately refused to marry the victim or register a civil union.

On October 10, 2024, the victim lodged a formal complaint against Wasim Uddin at Sabujbagh Police Station in Dhaka.

The case was brought under Section 9(1) of the Prevention of Repression against Women and Children Act 2000, citing the charge of rape under false promises of marriage.

After the case was filed, Wasim fled from Wari district and hid in Keraniganj.

According to a media statement, legal proceedings against him are currently ongoing and further investigations by the authorities are ongoing.