Suspected rape of minor in AA-controlled Paletwa sparks calls for justice

By Admin 21 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

21 November 2025, Paletwa

The Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) of the Arakan Army (AA) has arrested a man suspected of raping a 16-year-old minor in AA-controlled Paletwa Township, Chin State. The suspect is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code.

The suspect has been identified as U Tun Hlaing, 46, from Pyilonegyi Village, Mrauk-U Township.

"It has been more than a week since the suspect was arrested, and the DLEPS is currently investigating the case under the rape section [Section 376]," said a local man in Paletwa.

Locals reported that the incident occurred on November 9, when the suspect allegedly raped the 16-year-old victim, a resident of Daletkaing Village, three times near the northern forest edge of the village at around 5 p.m. while she was walking.

Following a complaint filed by the victim's family with the AA, the DLEPS team arrested the suspect in a village in Mrauk-U Township on November 19.

Locals and civil society groups are demanding that the AA take effective action against perpetrators of rape in its controlled townships and ensure a prompt resolution in cases where the truth has yet to be revealed.

A woman from an Arakanese civil society organization said, "This can be classified as a case involving a minor. The AA Justice Department should therefore conduct a proper investigation and give the appropriate punishment to ensure justice for the family."

The incident follows several high-profile rape and sexual violence cases recently reported in the region:

On July 28, a 9-year-old Grade 4 student from Hinkhayaw Village, Pauktaw Township, was raped by a monk. The perpetrator was arrested and a case has been opened against him by DLEPS.

On May 6, a 9-year-old girl was raped and murdered in Pharpyo Village, Minbya Township, with DLEPS investigating 8 suspects.

On June 20, 2024, a 20-year-old woman from Loonlonepaik Village, Myebon Township, was allegedly raped by a 24-year-old man from the same village.

Public frustration is mounting, with people calling on DLEPS to urgently address the spate of rape and sexual violence cases in Arakan State.