Police have launched a manhunt for a suspect after a woman sleeping on a footpath was allegedly raped in Cumilla's Sadar Dakshin upazila.
The hunt follows the circulation of CCTV footage of the incident on social media. The alleged assault took place in the early hours of June 30 in front of a confectionery shop at Bijoypur Bazar along the Cumilla-Noakhali regional highway, police said.
According to the CCTV footage, which has since gone viral, a man wearing a white shirt and lungi approached the middle-aged woman, who was sleeping on the footpath, at around 4:08 am and allegedly raped her before fleeing the scene. A market security guard was seen arriving at the location shortly afterward.
Police identified the suspect as Khokon, 50, son of Dula Mia of Durgapur village adjacent to Bijoypur Bazar in Sadar Dakshin upazila.
Locals alleged that Khokon is a known gambler and is involved in operating gambling activities in the area.
Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Dakshin Model Police Station Rakibul Islam said police became aware of the incident after the CCTV footage circulated on social media.
"After analysing the footage, we identified the suspect and launched a drive to arrest him," the OC said.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (Sadar Dakshin Circle) Mostain Billah Ferdous said multiple police teams are conducting raids to apprehend the accused.
He said the identity of the victim has not yet been confirmed.
"Efforts are underway to identify the woman and take the necessary legal steps," the ASP added.