Po Wah, Narinjara News, August 1, 2025

The Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) of the ULA/AA has detained the offender in connection with the rape of a minor girl in Hin Khraw village, Pauktaw Township, Rakhine State.

U Sandima, a 69-year-old monk, is the perpetrator of the rape.

An elderly woman from Hin Khraw hamlet, who declined to be identified, said that 69-year-old U Sandima (whose real name is U Sein Hla Htun) raped a 9-year-old fourth grader in Dhama Hall, which is located in the monastery compound, on July 28.

On the morning of July 28, after attending class in the Dhama Hall, she left but came back again because she had left her umbrella there. U Sandima, who resides in the Dhama Hall, sexually assaulted her when she went to Dhama Hall in the monastery.

"The elderly monk who fled the war in another location is someone we all respect. When this happens, we become quite shocked. We also feel terrible for the young girl. We seek justice and serious action. He will be given the death penalty if possible," she stated.

She said that after reporting the case to the ULA/AA's Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS), U Sein Hla Htun was apprehended and forced to disrobe.

With the approval of the Township Sangha Nayaka Committee, a case has been filed under Section 375 of the Criminal Code.

The Rakhine State Students' Union's Women's Affairs Committee has requested that the culprit be dealt with decisively.

The crime of raping a minor is more heinous than that of an inhuman animal since it causes severe psychological and physical harm to the child.

Today, July 31, the Women's Affairs Committee of the Rakhine State Students' Union (RSU) released a statement calling for prompt action to be taken against the perpetrator so as to deter the rape and violence against women and children in Rakhine State.

The declaration also conveyed intense remorse and anguish over the assault on the little girl.

It also stated that offenses against children who are far younger than oneself are offenses against the whole community. The perpetrator should be brought to justice without leniency, and the girl should receive protection and psychological support.