United News of Bangladesh

A youth was detained after allegedly attempting to strangle a teenage girl while trying to steal from a house in the Purba Shalban area of Rangpur city early Tuesday. The detained youth was identified as Mohammad Ashiq, 22, a resident of Tantipara area who currently lives in Purba Shalban. Local residents caught him and handed him over to police. The incident occurred between 2:30am and 3am on Tuesday, police and eyewitnesses said. According to them, Ashiq allegedly entered the house through a ventilator and hid inside a large basket of clothes. He came out after the family members fell asleep. When the teenage girl woke up after sensing his presence, Ashiq allegedly wrapped her headscarf around her neck and pulled it tightly. The girl, however, survived the attack. Nazmul Quader, Officer-in-Charge (OC) OF Rangpur Metropolitan Kotwali Police Station, said they initially learned that the girl was attacked when she noticed Ashiq inside the house during an alleged theft attempt. "A case has been filed and we are investigating whether anyone else was involved," he said. Ashiq is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital under police guard, the OC said. The incident has caused concern among local residents, who were already worried about security following the recent murder of retired teacher Ganapati Chakraborty and his family members in Machuapara area of the city.