A case was filed yesterday over the alleged sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl in Barhatta upazila of Netrokona.

The accused, Abdur Rashid, 36, has been absconding since the incident.

Barhatta Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Champak Dam confirmed the matter.

The victim’s mother filed the case yesterday at around 11:00pm at Barhatta Police Station, the OC said.

According to the case statement and police sources, the incident occurred on the afternoon of May 19. The girl’s mother was busy drying paddy in the field next to their house, leaving the child alone at home. Taking advantage of the situation, Rashid took the girl to the cowshed. There, he covered her mouth and sexually assaulted her, according to the case statement.

Hearing the girl’s cries, her mother and people nearby rushed to the house. The accused fled from the scene.

As the news spread, local influential individuals allegedly tried to suppress the matter through a traditional salish (arbitration).

Later, the girl’s mother submitted a written complaint to the police, leading to the formal registration of the case.

“The accused, Abdur Rashid, is currently absconding. Police are making every effort to arrest him,” said the OC.