Bangladesh A cricketer Tofael booked in sexual assault case as police file charge sheet

Bangladesh A cricketer Tofael. (Photo Source: ACC/BCB)

Bangladesh A cricketer, Tofael Ahmed Raihan, has been formally charged in a sexual assault case after police submitted a detailed charge sheet to the court. The pace-bowling all-rounder stands accused of repeatedly assaulting a young woman after allegedly luring her with the promise of marriage.

The case first came to light when the complainant filed a report at Gulshan Police Station on August 1, accusing Tofael of non-consensual sexual acts committed over several months. She alleged that the cricketer initiated contact through Facebook in January and gradually pressured her into a relationship by repeatedly assuring her marriage. Despite securing anticipatory bail from the High Court, Tofael did not comply with the court’s directive to surrender. The police investigation has now reached its initial conclusion with the submission of the charge sheet.

According to the investigating officer, sub-inspector Md Samiul Islam of Gulshan Police Station, the charge sheet was submitted after prima facie evidence supported the woman’s allegations. The charge has been filed under Section 9(1) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, which deals with rape-related offences. Police confirmed that witness statements, hotel booking documents, medical reports, and digital communication records formed the evidence included in the filing.

Next hearing scheduled for December 30

Case documents reveal that Tofael first approached the woman on Facebook in January. While she initially refused a romantic relationship, she later agreed after he assured her of marriage. On January 31, Tofael allegedly took her to a hotel in Gulshan, introduced her as his wife, and forcibly engaged in sexual acts. The charge sheet states that similar incidents occurred on multiple occasions in the following months.

When the woman insisted on marriage, Tofael reportedly refused, leading her to lodge a police complaint. During the investigation, police recovered hotel guest-registration slips and passport copies of both individuals. Although physical or DNA evidence could not be collected due to the complaint being filed six months after the alleged first incident, investigators concluded that the available documentation, medical examination, and the complainant’s consistent statements were sufficient to support the charges.

Notably, after securing six weeks of anticipatory bail on September 24, the High Court instructed Tofael to surrender before the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal. However, he failed to do so even after the bail period expired. During this time, he also travelled to Hong Kong to represent Bangladesh A in a six-a-side tournament. Court sources have confirmed that the next hearing is scheduled for December 30, when the charge sheet will be formally presented.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.