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The suspect, identified as Rashedul Islam Rabbi, was arrested from the Donia area in the capital’s Jatrabari neighbourhood. Investigators say that within just two months, he is believed to have targeted at least 13 young women using a similar method.
At a press briefing held on Wednesday at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police media centre, Deputy Commissioner of Wari Division, Mallik Ahsan Uddin Sami, said the accused initially approached victims on Facebook using a fake female identity. Over time, he built trust and manipulated them into sharing personal information, eventually gaining control of their social media accounts.
Police say the suspect then used those compromised accounts to identify and contact other potential victims from the friends list. He allegedly lured them with offers such as gifts, clothing deliveries, or invitations to family events, convincing them to meet in person.
Victims were reportedly asked to come to an under-construction building in the Goyalbari Mor area of Jatrabari. According to investigators, once there, the women were subjected to sexual assault, while the incidents were secretly recorded on mobile phones.
Authorities allege that the recordings were later used to threaten victims with exposure on social media, forcing them into further exploitation and extorting money. Some victims also reported being held for several hours and subjected to additional abuse.
Complaints suggest that in some cases, the accused also took mobile phones, cash, and even gold jewellery from the victims.
Police said the investigation began after a formal complaint was filed at Jatrabari Police Station by one of the victims. Acting on the information, officers carried out an operation and arrested Rabbi on Monday near Donia College. Several mobile phones believed to belong to victims were recovered during the arrest.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that multiple cases have been filed against the suspect under laws related to digital crime and exploitation. At least ten separate complaints have already been documented, all showing a similar pattern of offences.
Preliminary findings also indicate that the accused may have used similar deceptive tactics in his personal life. Most of the victims are believed to be between 18 and 20 years old and residents of different parts of Dhaka.
Police say the case is being treated with the highest priority, and efforts are underway to determine whether others were involved in the operation. Authorities have also urged the public to exercise caution while using social media platforms.
Experts warn that lack of awareness when interacting with unknown individuals online significantly increases the risk of such crimes. They advise users to avoid sharing personal information and to remain cautious before meeting anyone in person based on online interactions.
Source: Banglanews24.com