A Rohingya youth has been detained by police in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on charges of attempting to rape a Chakma woman.

The incident took place around 9:30 AM on Sunday in the remote hill area of Telakhola under Palongkhali Union of Ukhiya upazila, confirmed Ukhiya Police Station OC  Muhammad Arif Hossain.

The detainee, Syedul Islam (28), is the son of Sultan Ahmed and a resident of Block D-4 in Rohingya Camp No. 11 in Ukhiya.

The victim, a 33-year-old Chakma woman, is a resident of Telakhola Chakma Para in Palongkhali Union.

According to local sources, Ward No. 6 member of Palongkhali Union Parishad, Kamal Uddin, said that the woman was on her way to work in a nearby banana plantation in the morning. While passing through the secluded hilly area known as Bulerjhiri, the Rohingya youth allegedly ambushed her from behind, groped her inappropriately, and forcefully dragged her to a nearby banana grove while covering her mouth.

“At one point, as he attempted to rape the Chakma woman, a struggle ensued. The woman’s screams drew the attention of nearby residents, prompting the attacker to try to flee,” said the UP member. “However, locals managed to chase him down and detain him.”

He added that once informed, the police were immediately notified. A team from the police station arrived at the scene and took the accused into custody.

OC Muhammad Arif Hossain of Ukhiya Police Station confirmed the incident, saying that the Rohingya youth was detained by locals after the attempted rape of a Chakma woman in Telakhola earlier in the day. A police team visited the scene and brought the detainee to the police station.

He also mentioned that the victim's family is in the process of filing a formal complaint against the accused.