Schoolgirl Found Locked in Classroom; Rape Suspected in Kushtia

A schoolgirl was rescued after remaining missing for around 8 hours inside a locked classroom at a secondary school in Mirpur Upazila of Kushtia. Doctors have collected a vaginal swab for examination due to her suspicious physical condition, raising allegations of rape.

The incident occurred on Thursday (9 April). The victim, a student of the school, went to attend a farewell ceremony in the morning but did not return home. She was later found unconscious in a locked room on the third floor of the school building around 8:00 PM.

Police have arrested the school peon, Hamidul Islam, following a complaint filed by the girl’s mother.

Kushtia Sadar Hospital Superintendent Dr. Abdul Mannan told The Daily Campus: “We have collected the vaginal swab to confirm whether rape occurred. At this stage, we are treating it as a suspicious case. Only after the laboratory report comes will we be able to confirm if sperm is present.”

He added that the report may take some time and that they are currently considering the matter only as “suspicious.”

School Principal Mohammad Khairuzzaman said a meeting was held with the victim’s family, local residents, and the school managing committee president (a barrister). He stated they are taking the matter seriously and want a fair resolution.

Regarding CCTV footage, he said the girl was seen entering a room on the second floor at 1:07 PM and leaving with her bag at 1:08 PM. She was later found on the third floor landing. The third floor is usually abandoned and not used for classes.

Mirpur Police Station’s Investigation Officer Inspector Abdul Aziz confirmed that a case has been filed against the peon. He said the matter is now fully under legal process and no social settlement is possible at this stage.

Mirpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arafat Aman Aziz said he is personally monitoring the situation. He mentioned that a show-cause notice will be issued to the school principal to investigate if there was any negligence or security lapse by the school authority.

The victim is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.