'Gangraped' AL leader Chhabi Rani gives deposition

Trial of the sensational Chhabi Rani Mondol rape case began yesterday in Khulna Women and Children Repression Control Tribunal. Judge Md Belayet Hossain fixed July 23 as the next date for hearing.

Bagerhat Awami League leader Chhabi Rani Mondol, who is the complainant and at the same time number one prosecution witness in the case, gave deposition in the court amid pin drop silence.

She told the court that party cadres led by BNP leader Kazi Abul Bashar abducted her on the night of January 21 in 2002 from Rampal bus stand. They took her to Rampal BNP office and raped and tortured me, she said.

Chhabi Rani told the court that proprietor of Rampal Palash Studio Bazlur Rahman took photograph.

The Awami League leader at one stage of her deposition broke into tears. The court, however, adjourned hearing of her statement, which will resume on July 23.

Chhabi Rani lodged an FIR with Rampal Police Station accusing 15 persons.

The incident created sensation in the country, forcing Awami League to go on movement demanding arrest of the FIR-named accused.