Four rape cases remain unresolved with perpetrators at large in Arakan State

By Admin 01 Jun 2026

DMG Newsroom

1 June 2026, Pauktaw

Sexual violence, rape, and statutory rape cases are reportedly on the rise in townships controlled by the Arakan Army, with at least four cases remaining unresolved as the perpetrators continue to evade arrest.

From 20 June 2024 to April 2026, at least 15 cases of sexual violence and rape occurred in areas controlled by the Arakan Army. Among these, the culprits in four specific incidents remain at large.

These cases include an incident on 3 March 2026 near Phadu Chay Aut Village in Pauktaw Township, where an 8-year-old girl was raped by a man in his 40s. Although the perpetrator was initially apprehended, he escaped from the custody of the Department of Enforcement and Legal Affairs (DELPS). An arrest warrant has been issued, and authorities are still searching for him.

In another case during the second week of April 2026, U Maung Aye Hla, a man in his 40s from Thayet Tabin Thein Tan Village in Kyauktaw Township, raped a 14-year-old girl and sexually assaulted her 8-year-old sister. Family members confirmed that he remains at large.

Victims' families are demanding that the Arakan Army impose severe punishments on rapists.

"I want him to face the death penalty once caught. My daughter said her life is ruined and she will only be satisfied when he dies," said Daw Thin Thin from Thayet Tabin Thein Tan Village.

On 11 April 2026, a disabled woman was raped by a man in Ngapali Town, Thandwe Township. Although Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security managed to arrest the main suspect and three accomplices, one of them subsequently escaped.

Additionally, U Nay Tun Lin and another individual, wanted for a rape and murder case that occurred on 28 September 2024 in Paletwa Township, remain at large despite arrest warrants issued by the Arakan Army.

Local residents noted that while the United League of Arakan (ULA) is striving to balance military efforts, political objectives, and administrative mechanisms in its controlled territories, its handling of sexual violence and child rape remains ineffective.

Locals have criticized the ULA for a significant lack of transparency, pointing out that the administration rarely publicizes verdicts or punishments given to perpetrators in adjudicated cases.

Critics also highlight that some perpetrators of sexual violence have escaped due to negligence and corruption within the DELPS. They urge relevant authorities to eradicate corruption and deliver justice.

"We have heard a lot about negligence and corruption within DELPS. Accepting bribes to release a suspect in a heinous child rape case destroys public trust in the administration. Such negligence and corruption only embolden rapists, creating a widespread perception that they can get away with it," said an Arakanese male gender activist.

The ULA/AA's DELPS previously announced that anyone committing statutory rape against children under the age of 12 in Arakan State would face life imprisonment.

Due to ongoing military conflicts in Arakan State, thousands of local residents have been displaced and forced to take refuge in IDP camps, where women face a severe lack of mental and physical security.

Women's rights activists are demanding that authorities protect the lives and security of women and children by swiftly arresting fugitives and executing effective punishments transparently before the public.

"Under current laws, I want authorities to decisively hand down the maximum prison sentences or life imprisonment prescribed by law to rapists, without any fines or sentence reductions. Responsible officials need to demonstrate in practice that no offender stands above the law. Allowing culprits to remain free encourages crime, so we demand the immediate enforcement of the rule of law," said Ma Thin Ei Darlie, chairperson of the Kyauktaw Youths Association.

In cases where perpetrators remain at large, the safety of victims and their families remains a critical concern. Observers emphasize the need to impose heavy sentences on offenders to deter others from committing similar crimes.

Analysts also point out that ensuring justice requires eradicating corruption and establishing transparent investigation processes.

Although the ULA has been conducting sexual awareness training programmes to reduce sexual violence and statutory rape, the number of rape cases continues to rise steadily.