Main Accused Arrested, Four Railway Police Personnel Withdrawn Over Alleged Assault on Woman Passenger

Image: Collected

Dhaka, September 2, 2026: The main accused in the alleged sexual harassment and rape of a woman passenger aboard the Dhaka-Kurigram-bound intercity Kurigram Express has been arrested, while four police personnel assigned to the train’s security have been withdrawn over allegations of negligence and involvement in the incident.

Santahar Railway Police arrested Abu Bakkar Siddique, 22, a canteen worker on the train, and sent him to court.

The four police personnel withdrawn from duty have been attached to the Pakshi Railway District Police. They are Assistant Town Sub-Inspector (ATSI) Khokon Islam, constables Golam Mostofa, Fazle Rabbi and Ashikul Rahman.

The woman had boarded the train in Dhaka to travel to Sirajganj. While the train was passing through the Natore area, two police personnel on duty allegedly accused her of carrying drugs. On the pretext of searching for narcotics, they reportedly took her to the train’s food carriage.

According to the allegation, the two police personnel sexually harassed the woman before leaving her in the carriage. After they left, Abu Bakkar Siddique allegedly raped her while she was alone.

Hearing the woman’s screams, other passengers rushed to the spot, rescued her and detained the canteen worker. After the incident was reported through the national emergency service 999, Santahar Railway Police took the woman into custody for protection and detained the accused when the train reached the station.

During initial questioning, Abu Bakkar denied the rape allegation, claiming that the incident occurred with mutual consent. Police, however, are investigating the matter seriously.

Following the incident, the railway authorities and railway police formed two separate investigation committees. The catering contract for the Kurigram Express has also been cancelled immediately.

Authorities said further legal and departmental action would be taken against those found responsible after the investigation committees submit their reports.