Rangamati, Mar 30 (V7N) – Law enforcement authorities in Rangamati have arrested Nicholas Chakma, accused of raping a Pahari Tanchangya woman, forcing her into an abortion, and later giving away their child for adoption.

Nicholas Chakma, son of Milan Bikash Chakma from Dakshin Kalindipur, Rangamati, was apprehended in Khagrachari following an extensive search. The victim had lodged a case against him on January 10, 2025, under Section 9(1) of the Prevention of Violence against Women and Children Act.

Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shahed Uddin of Rangamati Kotwali Police Station confirmed the arrest, stating, "Following a court directive, we conducted multiple raids and, with the help of technology and local sources, apprehended the accused. He was presented before the court and subsequently sent to jail on Saturday."

According to the case file, Nicholas Chakma not only raped the victim but also forcibly took their newborn child and arranged for adoption in Mahalchhari. After the incident, he allegedly fled Rangamati, remarried, and started a new family.

Special Public Prosecutor Advocate Maksuda Haque from the Rangamati Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal described the case as "a heartbreaking example of deception and violence".

The victim, a Tanchangya woman from Kushalaghona, Jibatoli, Rangamati Sadar Upazila, had moved to Champaknagar, Rangamati city, for her studies. She met Nicholas Chakma in 2021, and their relationship eventually turned romantic.

On September 12, 2023, Nicholas allegedly coerced the victim into a physical relationship with false promises of marriage. Over time, their relationship continued, and on November 30, 2023, medical reports confirmed her pregnancy.

On June 28, 2024, the victim gave birth to a son at Rangamati General Hospital. However, Nicholas refused to marry her, citing his family’s disapproval. Instead, he took her to a rented house in Kalindipur, where on July 2, 2024, he snatched the newborn from her arms and gave him up for adoption to a couple, Ripon Chakma and Purnima Chakma, in Mahalchhari.

Following the abduction, Nicholas disappeared, leaving the victim helpless and desperate for justice. After exhausting all options, she filed a formal complaint in court on January 7, 2025.

Recognizing the severity of the case, Judge Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman of the Rangamati Women and Child Abuse Prevention Tribunal ordered the police to register and investigate the case within 24 hours.

Public Prosecutor Advocate Maksuda Haque emphasized, "With the arrest of the accused, the path to justice has begun. We will also seek legal action to retrieve the victim’s child through the court."

She further assured, "We will make every effort to ensure the victim gets justice and that those responsible for this heinous act are held accountable."

END/AMR/RH/