The rapists, backed by some influential quarters, are now threatening the victim's family, they claimed.

The incident sparked public protest in the area. Gano Uddog, an NGO in Tangail, on Thursday held rally in front of Tangail Deputy Commissioner's office and submitted a memorandum to the DC demanding arrest and punishment of the rapists.

The rally was addressed by, among others, Prof Nazir Hossen, advocate Tabibur Rahman, Utpal Shaha, Shamsul Alam and Rumi Sultana.

The speakers at the rally alleged that local JCD leader Sazzad, younger brother of Delduar upazila BNP secretary Azad Miah, and his seven accomplices were involved in the incident.

The victim's family and other sources said eight activists of JCD (Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal), student wing of ruling BNP, allegedly abducted the girl, a first year Degree student at Syed Mohabbat Ali College, while she was returning home from a kindergarten school at about 4 pm on September 4. She was also a teacher at the kindergarten at the upazila headquarters.

They took her to a secluded place at Delduar Zamidar Bari and violated her, leaving her in an unconscious state.

After a search, her family rescued her from there at night. She was admitted to Mirzapur Kumudini Hospital on September 6.

She left the hospital on September 10.

The victim's family went to Delduar police station to file a case but the officer-in-charge (OC) Abdul Alim refused to take the case. He filed a GD (general diary).

The alleged rapists also threatened local journalists not to write about this incident.

When contacted, Tangail Police Superintendent Mirza

Abdullah-hel-Baki said the incident is being probed and steps would be taken against the culprits. Action has been taken against the Delduar thana OC for negligence in duty regarding the incident, the SP said.

Meanwhile, sources in JCD said Sazzad, organising secretary of Delduar upazila JCD, has been expelled from the party for his involvement in 'immoral activities'.