A 55-year-old man has been accused of raping a 12-year-old on Tuesday in Nurullagonj union in Faridpur.

A case was filed against him in this connection last night with the Bhanga Police Station under the Women and Children Repression Act.

The accused Delowar Molla, 55, has been on the run since the incident.

According to police and locals, the incident happened around 2:00pm on Tuesday when the victim went to Delowar Molla's house to give them shirni (food offering from traditional or religious ceremony).

The victim went to the house, but could not find Delowar's wife. At that time, Delowar took her to a room and allegedly raped her and threatened her not to tell anyone.

The victim later informed her mother.

After learning that the incident had come to light, Delowar reportedly pressured the victim's family to remain silent, tried to prevent them from seeking medical care, and offered Tk 2 lakh as hush-money.

Yesterday afternoon, locals gathered near the accused's house after hearing of the incident and demanded his arrest. Delowar fled before police could reach the scene.

Confirming the matter, Indrajit Mallick, inspector of Bhanga Police Station, said, "Upon initial investigation it was found that the child was raped. We are trying to arrest the accused."