Family seeks rearrest of rape suspect who escaped ULA custody in Ann

By Admin 29 Oct 2026

DMG Newsroom

29 October 2026, Ann

Family members are demanding the immediate rearrest of a man accused of raping a woman with intellectual disabilities and a speech impairment after he escaped from the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS), which operates under the United League of Arakan (ULA), in Tattaung Town, Ann Township.

On October 11, U Aung Than Shwe, 44, a resident of Ward No. 2 in Tattaung Town, allegedly lured his neighbour, a woman in her 30s with intellectual disabilities and a speech impairment, under the pretext of picking guavas for her before sexually assaulting her.

Eyewitnesses and family members detained U Aung Than Shwe themselves on the day of the incident and handed him over to the Tattaung Town DLEPS station.

DLEPS personnel subsequently recorded his testimony and questioned witnesses on October 13 and 14.

However, U Aung Than Shwe escaped from the DLEPS station on October 18 and remained at large as of October 29.

A family member of the victim told DMG that U Aung Than Shwe fled on the morning of October 18 when DLEPS personnel allowed him to fetch water from a nearby pond without restraints.

"The suspect was not placed in shackles or handcuffs that day," a relative told DMG. "They assigned him to perform garden chores and fetch water, making it extremely easy for him to walk away."

Despite his reported escape, DLEPS published a statement on October 25 claiming that the suspect was still in custody.

The victim's family said the official statement contradicted the situation on the ground.

"Publishing claims that the rapist is in custody while he is actually at large inflicts further trauma on our family," a female relative told DMG. "It effectively grants impunity to a fleeing perpetrator."

Relatives expressed outrage at what they described as DLEPS negligence in allowing a suspect accused of sexual assault to escape.

"Our family apprehended the suspect and handed him over ourselves," a family member said. "Seeing DLEPS let him escape without any physical restraints makes us feel as though our suffering is valued less than a single pot of water fetched by the culprit."

The victim's family also expressed serious concerns for their safety, fearing possible retaliation from the escaped suspect.

Family members said the Tattaung DLEPS station chief had refused to meet with them directly and had treated them disrespectfully when they visited the station to inquire about the case.

"The victim's mother is beside herself with grief, unable to eat or sleep," a relative said. "The perpetrator had previously threatened our family, so his escape makes us fear for our lives even more."

Relatives also alleged that the Tattaung DLEPS station chief threatened them, saying they would face serious consequences if they posted details about the case online.

DMG attempted to contact the Tattaung DLEPS station chief for comment but was unable to reach him.

Ko Zaw Than Oo, an Arakanese youth, said DLEPS must maintain honesty and transparency to build public trust as Arakan State's primary law enforcement body.

"We want DLEPS to act with honesty and transparency," he said. "Share truthful information with the public. Allowing a suspect accused of such a severe crime to escape while doing garden work and fetching water without restraints is unacceptable. DLEPS must be truthful if it expects public reliance."

Local residents said that while the ULA was working to establish administrative and judicial systems alongside its political and military operations in areas under its control, its handling of sexual violence and child rape cases remained ineffective.

Critics and community members are calling on senior ULA leadership to address alleged law enforcement negligence and corruption, ensure accountability and deliver justice for victims.