Ex-UP chairman sued for raping physically- challenged girl

A local Awami League leader has been accused in a case of raping a 15-year-old girl with physical disabilities in Madaripur town.

Babul Sarder, also a former chairman of Chilarchar Union Parishad, has been accused of breaking into a home on Thursday and raping the girl when the parents were away at work, said Monowar Hossain, officer-in-charge of Madaripur Police Station.

When the girl's parents returned home, she told her parents what happened, the officer said, quoting the complaint.

Shihab Chowdhury, a doctor at the hospital where she is being treated, said a test was done to find if she was raped.

The OC said police were waiting for the test report.

Police are looking for the accused, he added.

Contacted over the phone, Babul said, "The allegation of rape is being made to tarnish my image. I am a victim of political conspiracy ... I will fight my legal battle."

The girl's father said Babul was an influential person. "No one dares to speak up against him. But I want justice for my daughter."