Writ seeks judicial inquiry into Cox’s Bazar rape

A writ petition was filed with the High Court on Monday seeking its directive to conduct judicial inquiry into the recent gang-rape of a tourist in Cox’s Bazar.

Supreme Court advocate Abdullah Al Harun filed the writ petition to the office concerned of the High Court.

This writ petition is likely to be presented before the HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman for hearing.

The petition sought issuance of a rule seeking explanation as to why the Cox’s Bazar District Judge or Chief Judicial Magistrate should not be directed to conduct a judicial inquiry into the rape and take appropriate legal action against the accused.

Six persons, including Home Secretary, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary, Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police have been made respondents.

On 22 December, a 22-year-old woman was taken to a desolate place near the golf club where three accused allegedly raped the woman following an altercation with her husband.

Later, she was taken to Zia Guest Inn and the three accused again raped her. They released her in the early hours on the following day and allegedly threatened to kill her family if she discloses the matter to anyone.

On 23 December, the woman’s husband filed the case under the Prevention of Women & Children Repression Act at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station accusing seven people. So far, six people have been arrested.