Viral video shows woman bound, abducted, police say family took her home
A disturbing video clip showing a young woman being forcibly taken away in the dark of night has triggered widespread criticism and concern after it went viral on social media from Rangabali Upazila in Patuakhali.
The 15-second clip, posted on Saturday night by a youth named Kamal Gazi who claims the woman is his wife and appealed for assistance, shows a group of people tying up the hands and feet of an 18-year-old woman, who is seen crying and screaming for help.
The video quickly circulated online, prompting outrage and calls for clarification.
Rangabali police chief Md Imarat Hossain told reporters that the woman had been taken home by her father, uncle, and other relatives.
“The woman claimed to have married a young man from the area without family consent. But she couldn’t provide any document to back up her claim,” he said.
Police said the woman had been staying at Kamal’s home for several days. However, no complaint had been filed by either party until after the incident came to light online.
Kamal was identified as the younger son of the late Kashem Gazi of Majher Deor village and also a local vice-president of the Chhatra League.
According to police, some local BNP activists were present during the late-night incident when the woman was taken away. Officer Imarat added that the situation could have been avoided had the woman’s father informed the police earlier.
The woman’s father told reporters that his daughter had fled home around 15 days ago and moved in with Kamal Gazi.
“We asked for the marriage documents, but they couldn’t show us anything. Neither could she,” he said.
When asked whether it was lawful to forcibly take an adult woman against her will, he replied: “I brought her back thinking about her future. That boy is not a good person.
“I had many dreams for her, but everything was ruined. If she stayed with Kamal for a year or two, he would eventually demand ransom.”
Attempts to reach Kamal by mobile phone for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was found switched off.
However, his elder brother Md Saddam Gazi told journalists: “I came to know that Kamal had married the girl against the family's consent a few days ago. They came home and started living together.
“I informed the girl's father over the phone and requested them to take the girl home. But her family was indifferent to the matter.”
Saddam said that Kamal was a member of the Chhatra League, which is why he had to keep the girl at home and flee.
“Around midnight yesterday, I was called to the house of local UP [union parishad] member Ilias Gazi. Along with the girl’s father, there were eight to 10 others present.
“Soon after, they arrived and tried to take the girl by force. She refused to go, but they forcibly tied her hands and feet and dragged her away.”
He also alleged that their 55-year-old mother, Chinu Bibi, was physically assaulted when she tried to intervene.
Rangabali police say they are investigating the incident but have not yet received any formal complaint from either side. “We’ll take appropriate action following an investigation,” said OC Imarat Hossain.
