Death of khyang woman: Husband files rape and murder case
Bandarban, Wed May 7, 2025 02:04 PM
Authorities vow thorough investigation; indigenous communities stage protest seeking justice
The authorities in Bandarban have promised a thorough investigation into the death of an indigenous Khyang woman in Thanchi.
Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini and Superintendent of Police Md Shahidullah Kawsar made the promise during a press conference yesterday.
Meanwhile, Thanchi Police Station’s Office-in-Charge Nasir Uddin Majumder said the victim’s husband, Sumon Khyang, filed a rape and murder case on Monday.
The deceased, Chingma Khyang, hailed from the Tindu union, according to press statements issued by the district administration and police.
On Monday, she left home to plant paddy on her jhum field. When she did not return after midday, her family members and villagers mounted a search.
Around 3:30pm, they found her body in a ditch near the under-construction Thanchi-Likri border road, adjacent to the jhum lands of another individual, the statements added.
On information, a police team from Thanchi went to the scene.
OC Nasir Uddin said after recovering Chingma’s body from the spot, they sent it to Thanchi Upazila Health Complex. After the preliminary inquest, the body was sent to Bandarban Sadar Hospital for autopsy.
Preliminary investigation and inquest reports revealed that the victim’s head, part of her face, and eyes were crushed, he said, adding that there were injury marks on various parts of the body.
Bandarban SP Shahidullah Kawsar at the press conference said, “The death of Chingma Khyang is being treated with utmost seriousness. We are actively investigating whether there was any criminal motive behind it. Legal proceedings are underway.”
He added, “We need cooperation from the local community and media. Anyone with information is requested to contact the police.”
Meanwhile, the victim’s family sought justice for what they said were the rape and murder of Chingma Khyang.
Various organisations held protests in Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrachhari over the killing of the Khyang woman.
Activists from Durbar Nari Network, Shujan, Women’s Resource Center, Women’s Activist Forum, and Indigenous Student Society demonstrated in front of the Bandarban Press Club yesterday.
Earlier, several hundred people gathered at Rajar Math in the district town. From there, they marched through various streets before gathering on the Press Club premises for a rally.
Speakers at the rally included Anti-Corruption Committee President Aung Cha Mong Marma, development worker Lelong Khumi, Donai Pru Neli of Durbar Network, and Ulichong Marma of Women’s Resource Center.
In Dhaka, Parbatya Chattogram Pahari Chhatra Parishad brought out a procession in the Shahbagh area yesterday, protesting the alleged rape and murder of Chingma Khyang. They demanded exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.
