It's been more than two weeks since Akkas Uddin Ahmed rescued his university-S daughter from the es of a gang of abductors. But now. his desire to see cul-Grits punished has brought new treats for his traumatised family.

The victim. Rumu (not her real name), a third year undergraduate student at Dhaka University^ fell prey to the lust of a local wayward, who along with some armed hooligans abducted her from her village home at Kachua under Shailkupa thana. Jhenidah on September 21 night.

Rumu's father complained with local police accusing seven persons. Ashraf Ali, the principal accused, tried to marry the Siri against the will of his aughter and the family, he alleged.

The helpless father said the abduction took place although there was a police camp nearby. There are also allegations that

the abductors frequent the camp.

And it was not until four hours that the thana police came to know about it although the camp police were told of the incident instantly.

Some villagers and Rumu's relations rescued her the next morning from one Taleb’s residence as the abductors fled seeing a large crowd.

Odhikar. a Dhaka-based human rights organisation, took up the case and carried out an investigation.

The inquiry found the abductors had good ties with local police and political leadership, which helped the gang.

Rumu told Odhikar that Ashraf had been after her for long.

The family alleged the local politicians and union parishad chairman were acting in favour of the gang and obstructing them in filing a case. Almas, her brother, said that the .threats were still there.

Some other local people told Odhikar that the abductors were being patronised by some local politicians and that they were seen sipping tea and gossiping with policemen at the camp even after the incident.

The demand for punishment also came from Vice Chancellor AK Azad Chowdhury of Dhaka University, who had talks with home ministry officials, said Odhikar.

Odhikar investigation also found that police gave misleading information to the VC that the girl had an affair with the principal accused and that they were married later.

Odhikar also said that the alleged abductors had two political faces. They allegedly pose as Awami Leaguers during the day and act as members of the outlawed Biplobi Communist Party at night. Local people do not dare speak against them.

The OC of Shailkupa thana told Odhikar that the alleged abductors were members of Bi -plobi Communist Party but declined to say anything about their liaison with local Awami League leadership.

Abdul Majid, the OC. claimed he was despatching his men everyday to nab the accused but could not locate them. The OC said he was not aware if the accused had access to the police camp.