Near Ramesu Bazar(Image collected)

Protests and violence over rape in Guimaras: Three police cases after four days

Four days after protests and violence erupted over the alleged rape of a hill girl in Guimara upazila of Khagrachari district, three cases have finally been filed by the police. These cases took place at the Guimara police station last Wednesday night. The plaintiff in the case has been determined by the police.

Details of the case

Police said one of the three cases was filed on charges of obstruction of government work, assault on government employees, vandalism and arson. About 300 anonymous people have been accused in this case.
The second case is for murder. As none of the family members agreed to file a case in the case of those who lost their lives during the violence, the police filed this case on their own initiative.
The third case was filed against law enforcement personnel in connection with the attack.

Background of the event

According to local sources, tension spread in the area after the rape of a hill girl. The allegations sparked protests, which quickly turned violent. Several people were injured in the clashes between the protesters and the police. Even local administration vehicles and government buildings were vandalized. The police fired tearshells and lathi-charged to bring the situation under control.

Incidents of killed and injured

The violence resulted in loss of life, but none of the families of the victims agreed to file a case. This shows that there is fear as well as lack of confidence in the hilly areas. Many may not want to come forward out of fear, and some may have lost faith in the justice system.

Police location

Law enforcement officials said strict action will be taken to bring the situation back to normal and bring the culprits to justice. At the same time, the police requested the general public to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands.

Analysis

The incident was not just a protest over a rape allegation—it was an expression of years of pent-up anger, neglect and mistrust in the hills.

1. Crimes like rape
   Common people's anger towards heinous crimes like rape is natural. But if there is no prompt and transparent investigation after the complaint, it turns into violence.
   
   

2. A culture of mistrust and fear
   None of the families of the victims have agreed to file a case—underscoring the local population's fear and distrust of the justice system.
   
   

3. Role of administration
   The anger may have escalated due to the lack of effective action by the administration immediately after the incident. But now the case filed at the initiative of the police can be seen as an attempt to bring the situation under control.
   
   

4. future risk
   If transparent investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators are not ensured, such incidents may become more widespread. The social stability of hilly areas will be more threatened then.
   
   

This incident in Guimara Upazila is not just a news of violence, but a reflection of the overall social crisis of a region. Fair justice in rape cases, protection of victims, and restoration of confidence of local people is the need of the hour. Otherwise, it will be more difficult to restore peace and order in the hilly areas.