It is alleged that, on May 5, 2025 Chingma Khyang, an indigenous Khyang woman from Mongkhoy Para village, was gang-raped and murdered by three Bengali road construction laborers in a forest near her home under 8 no. Ward, Tindu Union of Thanchi Upazila, Bandarban Hill District. The victim reportedly went to work in their family’s Jum early in the morning but did not return by afternoon, prompting a search by her family and villagers. Furthermore, the villagers saw signs of something being dragged in the Jum. After following the signs, Chingma Khyang`s dead body was found at around 3 pm.

Later, at around 3:00 PM, her body was discovered in the forest, showing signs of brutal violence, including injury marks, gouged eyes, and heavy bleeding. Local people believe that, the victim was gang-raped followed by murder, by the three Bengali workers seen in the area in the previous day which are primary suspects in this case.

Local and Law Enforcement Response:

Tindu Union Chairman, Bhagyachandra Tripura confirmed the remoteness of the location and stated that he had informed the police and accompanied them to the site.

On May 6, 2025, the Bandarban District administration and Police held a press conference addressing the unnatural death of the victim. Bandarban Deputy Commissioner, Shamim Ara Rini stated that an autopsy is underway to determine whether the death was accidental or a case of murder. A case has been lodged by Swapon Khiang, husband of the late deceased and the police are actively investigating, with Additional SP Jinia Chakma scheduled to visit the site on May 7, 2025. Authorities urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information on social media.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Jinia Chakma reported that a police team was dispatched to the scene, which lies approximately 38 km from the Thanchi Upazila headquarters.

Statement by different organizations on 6 May 2025:

The Bangladesh Indigenous Women’s Network (BIWN), Bangladesh Khyang Students Union (BKSU), Bangladesh Indigenous Youth Forum, PCP and Hill Women’s Federation has strongly condemned the gang rape and murder of Chingma Khyang in Thanchi and demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators through their separate individual statements.

The Executive Director of Kapaeeng Foundation Pallab Chakma has also condemned this brutal incident and demanded justice.

Picture: Protest gathering in Bandarban

Human chain and Demonstration in different places on 6 May 2025:

Rangamati: Aggrieved Student Community organized a human chain protest in Shipakala Academy Premises, Rangamati on May 6, 2025, condemning the gang rape and murder and demanding exemplary punishment for the rapists.

Khagrachari: The PCP and Hill Women’s Federation organized a protest march and rally on May 6, 2025, at Chengi Square, Khagrachari, condemning the gang rape and murder demanding exemplary punishment for the rapists.

Chittagong: Demanding exemplary punishment for the perpetrators, the Chittagong University Indigenous Students organized a protest march and rally on May 6, 2025, at the Shaheed Minar premises.

Dhaka: PCP, Dhaka branch; Bangladesh Indigenous Students Action Forum, Bangladesh Marma Students Council, Tripura Students Forum (TSF), and Dhaka University Jumma Students Community arranged a protest rally in the protest against this gang rape and brutal murder demanding exemplary justice for the murderers.

Picture: Protest gathering in Dhaka

Current Status:

An investigation is underway, with police enroute to the crime scene. No arrests or formal identifications of suspects have been made public at the time of reporting.

Media News: