Is Bangladesh 'A' Cricketer Tofael Ahmed Raihan Facing Charges in a Sexual Assault Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tofael Ahmed Raihan faces serious allegations of sexual assault.
- The chargesheet is filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.
- Strong evidence including the victim's statements and hotel records supports the case.
- The court hearing is scheduled for December 30.
- The situation highlights the importance of accountability in sports.
New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) Authorities have submitted a chargesheet against Tofael Ahmed Raihan, a pace-bowling all-rounder from the Bangladesh ‘A’ team, alleging that he repeatedly sexually assaulted a young woman after reportedly promising her marriage.
According to sub-inspector Md Samiul Islam from Gulshan Police Station, the chargesheet was filed under Section 9(1) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, as confirmed to Cricbuzz on Thursday.
Investigators state that the woman's testimony, alongside hotel reservation records, medical documentation, and other pertinent evidence, bolster the allegations. The court is set to assess the chargesheet during the upcoming hearing on December 30, as per reports.
Documents from the case reveal that Tofael first contacted the woman through Facebook in January. Their conversations on Messenger gradually developed into what she interpreted as a romantic relationship. She informed the police that she consented to continue their communication only after he assured her of marriage.
The woman alleged that on January 31, Tofael took her to a hotel in Gulshan, presented her as his wife, and subsequently assaulted her. She reported that similar incidents occurred multiple times, and he ultimately declined to fulfill his marriage promise. She lodged a complaint at Gulshan Police Station on August 1, charging him with various acts of sexual violence.
On September 24, the High Court granted Tofael six weeks of anticipatory bail, directing him to surrender to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal upon the conclusion of the bail term. However, police report that he failed to comply with this order.
During this period, Tofael traveled to Hong Kong to compete in a six-a-side cricket tournament as part of the Bangladesh ‘A’ squad.
The case is now pending further court actions as the legal proceedings advance.