Violence Erupts in Khagrachari After Marma Girl Rape: 3 Dead, Dozens Injured

Khagrachari, Bangladesh – At least three members of the indigenous minority community were killed and several others injured on Sunday as violence erupted in Khagrachari following a road blockade protesting the rape of a 12-year-old Marma girl.

Khagrachari District Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Saber confirmed that three bodies were brought to Khagrachari Sadar Hospital from Guimara at around 5:30 p.m. Four others with injuries were also admitted.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement expressing “deep sorrow” over the killings, blaming “miscreants” for the attack. The clashes also left 13 army personnel, including a major, and three police officials injured. Authorities pledged a “thorough investigation” and stated that “no culprit will be spared.”

The indefinite road blockade, organized by Jumma Chhatra Janata demanding justice for the Marma girl, has entered its third day. On Saturday, clashes between Bengali settlers and minority protesters in Khagrachari town left dozens more injured.

The rape incident occurred on September 23, when the 12-year-old girl was returning home from private tuition around 9:00 p.m. Her father filed a case the following day with Khagrachari Sadar Police against three unidentified men. Police have so far arrested one suspect, Shayan Shil, who has been placed on a six-day remand by a Khagrachari court.

CSB News USA will continue to monitor the situation as tensions remain high in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.