Police file charge sheet against Bangladesh all-rounder in sexual assault case

Bangladesh A cricketer Tofael Ahmed Raihan, a pace-bowling all-rounder, has been formally charged in a sexual assault case following the submission of a detailed charge sheet by the police. Raihan stands accused of repeatedly assaulting a young woman after allegedly gaining her trust and luring her with a false promise of marriage.

Bangladesh A cricketer charged in sexual assault case

The case originated on August 1 when the complainant lodged a report at Gulshan Police Station, detailing months of non-consensual sexual acts perpetrated by Tofael. She alleged that the cricketer initially connected with her via Facebook in January. He then persistently assured her of marriage, using this promise to pressure her into a relationship. Although Tofael had secured anticipatory bail from the High Court, he failed to comply with the court's order to surrender. The submission of the charge sheet now marks the conclusion of the initial police investigation.

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Sub-inspector Md Samiul Islam of Gulshan Police Station, the investigating officer, confirmed that the charge sheet was filed because prima facie evidence substantiated the woman’s serious allegations. Raihan has been charged under Section 9(1) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, which pertains to rape. The police stated that the evidence supporting the charge includes witness statements, documentation related to hotel bookings, medical reports, and records of digital communication between the parties.

All about the Tofael Ahmed Raihan's case?

The case documents outline that Tofael Ahmed Raihan first initiated contact with the woman on Facebook in January. Although she initially resisted a romantic involvement, she relented after he repeatedly promised marriage. According to the charge sheet, on January 31, Tofael allegedly escorted her to a Gulshan hotel, where he introduced her as his wife before forcibly engaging in sexual acts. The charge sheet further alleges that similar non-consensual incidents occurred several times throughout the subsequent months.

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When the woman eventually pressed Tofael to fulfill his promise of marriage, he reportedly refused, prompting her to file a police complaint. The investigation led to the recovery of key evidence, including hotel guest-registration slips and passport copies of both individuals. While physical or DNA evidence was unavailable since the complaint was filed six months after the initial incident, investigators concluded that the combination of documentation, the medical examination, and the complainant's consistent testimony provided sufficient evidence to support the charges against the cricketer.

Crucially, after being granted six weeks of anticipatory bail on September 24, Tofael was explicitly instructed by the High Court to surrender before the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. He failed to comply with this order, even after the bail period expired. During this time, Tofael traveled to Hong Kong to participate in a six-a-side tournament as a representative of Bangladesh A. Court sources have confirmed that the charge sheet will be formally presented at the next hearing, which is scheduled for December 30.