5 held for torturing woman tying to electric pole, video sparks outrage

A disturbing incident of vigilante-style punishment has shaken the Nadda area in the capital after a woman was allegedly tied to an electric pole and tortured by having water poured on her in public. 

Police have arrested five people in connection with the incident, three of whom are minors.

The incident occurred around 7:30am on Friday, January 2, in front of Markazut Ta’lim Al Islami Madrasa at Morel Bazar in the Nadda area. 

A video showing the woman tied to the pole and being humiliated quickly spread on social media, drawing sharp criticism and condemnation from netizens.

Gulshan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Rakibul Hasan confirmed the arrests on Sunday, January 4. 

He said police launched an investigation on their own initiative after the video went viral, as no formal complaint had been filed by the victim or anyone else.

“After reviewing CCTV footage from the area, we identified and detained five individuals. Three of them are minors,” the OC said. 

He added that police are consulting senior officials to determine the next legal steps, particularly because juvenile suspects are involved.

According to police and preliminary information from the madrasa authorities, the woman is believed to be a vagrant. 

They claimed she entered the madrasa premises early that morning and was suspected of theft. 

Instead of informing law enforcement, the accused allegedly took matters into their own hands, tied her to an electric pole outside the madrasa, and poured water on her in a chilly winter as a form of punishment.

Police said all five detainees are students of the madrasa. The woman was later freed, but her current whereabouts and condition could not be immediately confirmed.

The incident has reignited concerns over mob justice and the mistreatment of vulnerable individuals in the capital. 

Rights activists and social media users have questioned how such an act could take place in a busy area like Nadda and called for strict action against those responsible.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and assured that legal action will be taken in accordance with the law after completing necessary procedures.