Piran Ditta Khan, the 76-year-old mastermind behind the armed robbery that led to the tragic death of Police Constable Sharon Beshenivsky nearly 20 years ago, has died in prison, less than a year after receiving a life sentence for his role in the crime.
The Prison Service confirmed Khan’s death at HMP Wakefield on Friday, stating, “HMP Wakefield prisoner Piran Ditta Khan died on Friday, February 21. As with all deaths in custody, the Prison and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.”
A Crime That Shook the Nation
PC Sharon Beshenivsky, 38, was gunned down on November 18, 2005, while responding to an armed robbery at Universal Express travel agents in Bradford, West Yorkshire. The mother of three was fatally shot on her daughter’s fourth birthday. Her colleague, PC Teresa Milburn, was also shot but survived her injuries. Both officers were unarmed at the time.
The robbery, carried out by a gang of seven, resulted in PC Beshenivsky becoming the seventh female officer in British history to be killed in the line of duty.
The Manhunt and Khan’s Flight to Pakistan
Khan, believed to be the orchestrator of the violent robbery, fled to Pakistan shortly after the killing, evading justice for nearly 15 years. He was the only member of the gang who had prior knowledge of Universal Express, having previously used the business to send money to family in Pakistan.
After years of international legal efforts, Khan was arrested by Pakistani authorities in January 2020 and extradited to the UK in 2023. He stood trial at Leeds Crown Court, where he was found guilty of murder, two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon.
In May 2024, Mr. Justice Hilliard sentenced Khan to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years, acknowledging that due to his age and health issues, including heart disease and chronic back problems, Khan would likely die in prison.
Impact on the Beshenivsky Family
During the sentencing, PC Beshenivsky’s widower, Paul Beshenivsky, delivered an emotional statement to the court, saying, “The way we lost Sharon was in the most brutal, callous, and futile way. She never came home due to the actions and organisation of one person — Piran Ditta Khan.”
The murder of PC Beshenivsky had a profound impact on the community and the police force, leading to widespread calls for stronger protections for unarmed officers and stricter gun control.
Justice, But No Closure
With Khan’s death, all seven men involved in the robbery have now been brought to justice. However, for many, the sense of closure remains elusive. West Yorkshire Police issued a statement following news of Khan’s death, saying, “While Khan’s passing marks the end of a long and difficult chapter, the pain and loss felt by Sharon’s family, friends, and colleagues will never truly fade.”
PC Beshenivsky’s legacy continues through various memorials and charity efforts in her name, including initiatives aimed at supporting the families of fallen officers.
As the investigation into Khan’s death in custody begins, the focus remains on honoring the memory of PC Sharon Beshenivsky and the ultimate sacrifice she made while serving her community.
