House of man accused of attempting to rape child set on fire

Fire Damages Home of Man Accused in Attempted Assault on Child in Madaripur

Thebangladaily.com – A home in Kalkini, Madaripur, was vandalised and later set ablaze on Monday after allegations emerged that its 57-year-old owner had attempted to rape a five-year-old girl.

The incident unfolded in Madhyarchar village, within Saheberampur union, between about 6pm and 8pm. Police intervened after receiving information about the fire, and firefighters were called in to extinguish the blaze. Authorities said the situation was later brought under control.

Allegation sparks anger in village

The child was allegedly alone at her home when Habul Shikder attempted to assault her. News of the accusation spread through the local area, prompting widespread anger among residents.

Shikder reportedly went into hiding after the allegation became known. Neither he nor members of his family were found at the house when attempts were made to seek their response.

The girl’s family said they had also faced pressure from people acting for the accused. They alleged that those individuals wanted the family to resolve the matter privately and avoid filing a formal case.

Such allegations can place families in an especially difficult position, as they seek both justice for a child and protection from further intimidation. The child’s father said he had submitted a complaint to police, accusing Shikder of attempting to rape his daughter.

More than 500 residents join protest

On Monday evening, more than 500 local residents took part in a broom procession with the victim’s family. Demonstrators called for Shikder’s arrest and for legal punishment over the allegation.

After the procession, a group moved toward Shikder’s residence. The property was vandalised before it caught fire. The account does not indicate whether anyone was inside the home at the time, but Shikder and his relatives were not present when the matter drew public attention.

Police from Kalkini Police Station arrived after being notified of the attack and the fire. Fire service personnel subsequently put out the flames.

The destruction of the house reflected the depth of public outrage, but the alleged offence and the attack on the property remain separate matters for law enforcement. Police involvement is intended to restore order while legal procedures continue over the complaint filed by the child’s father.

Police say legal process is continuing

Kalkini Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahirul Alam said officers were deployed once the house had been set on fire. He said the area was calm after the intervention.

“The situation is currently calm. Legal proceedings in the case are underway,” he said.

The case centres on an allegation involving a young child, making a prompt and careful investigation particularly important. Any criminal responsibility must be determined through the legal process, with investigators examining the complaint and any available evidence.

For the family, the filing of a complaint marks the beginning of a formal process rather than the end of their ordeal. Cases involving children often require sensitivity from investigators, community members and institutions so that the child’s welfare remains central while the law takes its course.

Residents’ demands for accountability followed the reported attempt to pressure the family into avoiding a case. The allegations of pressure have added to concerns in the village, where community members have publicly called for action against the accused.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the complaint, possible witnesses, or whether any arrests had been made. Police said legal action was in progress as the investigation continued.

The events in Madhyarchar village have left two immediate issues before authorities: the complaint alleging an attempted assault on a five-year-old girl and the vandalism and arson at the accused man’s residence. Police will need to address both while maintaining calm in the area and ensuring that the child’s family can pursue their complaint without fear or interference.