Police have arrested a youth in a case involving the alleged abduction and rape of a young woman at Raiupur upazila in Laxmipur district.

He was arrested in front of Jhumur Cinema Hall in Lakshmipur town on Wednesday morning.

The arrested individual is Joy Kuri, 25, son of Ananta Kuri, a gold merchant and a resident of Purbulach village in Raipur upazila.

According to the police investigation, Joy Kuri, a follower of Hinduism, developed a relationship with the 14-year-old victim three months ago, reportedly after an encounter over a yaba purchase.

He allegedly concealed his identity and pretended to be a Muslim to make a physical relationship with her.

On the evening of August 14, he allegedly forced the young woman into a car and took her to Cox`s Bazar. She was held there for three days and then kept in a house in Laxmipur town for four more days.

During these seven days, she was allegedly raped under the false promise of marriage. The victim realised his true identity when he tried to put vermillion (sindur) on her forehead.

She then screamed for help, and nearby people came to her aid. Seeing the situation turn against him, Joy Kuri allegedly abandoned her in front of the Raipur town Fish Breeding and Training Centre and fled.

The victim`s father filed a case against Joy and two others under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act on August 15.

The accused had been a fugitive since the case was filed. His arrest comes 20 days after the incident was reported.

Raipur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nizam Uddin Bhuiyan confirmed the arrest and said police arrested him on Wednesday morning and sent him to court.