A brutal husband has been locked up for 26 years after pouring scalding hot oil over his wife’s face and branding her with a red-hot skillet during a savage attack amid a bitter divorce battle.
Terrifying Attack in Small Heath Home
Raju Mollah, 50, launched the vicious assault on Mosammed Mumtaz, 23 years his junior and the mother of their three kids, in their kitchen in Small Heath. Without warning, he tipped burning oil over her head before slamming a blistering hot pan into her face – leaving her permanently disfigured. The violence didn’t stop there. Mollah banged Mrs Mumtaz’s head against hard surfaces, smothered her face with a mop, then repeatedly kicked and stamped on her. Paramedics later found her unconscious and covered in blood and oil on the kitchen floor.
Victim’s Heartbreaking Statement
He has destroyed my life, my family and my face.” Mrs Mumtaz revealed she no longer leaves the house, quit college, and hates looking in the mirror. Once hopeful of a teaching career, she said, “I’m a prisoner in my own home. I can’t and won’t go out. I didn’t do anything wrong, why has this happened to me?” She added, “The only good thing to come from this is my divorce. I’m free of him and have a new life. This isn’t a life I want. He’s destroyed my life. He did an evil, nasty thing.”
Judge Condemns ‘Branding’ Attack, Sentences Mollah
At Birmingham Crown Court, Judge Richard Bond blasted Mollah’s “calm yet vicious” assault. He said:
“You poured burning hot oil over her head with no warning. Then you branded her with a red hot skillet – you permanently disfigured her face and body.” “You banged her head repeatedly against hard surfaces, smothered her with a mop, and stamped on her head while she was conscious throughout.” Mollah was found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to 26 years behind bars. He must serve at least 17 years and 4 months before parole. An indefinite restraining order bans him from contacting Mrs Mumtaz and their youngest children.
Aftermath and Community Fallout
Despite calling a neighbour for help after the attack, Mollah lied that it was an accident. He later sent letters to his wife urging her not to reveal the truth. Mrs Mumtaz said many friends shunned her for seeking justice, siding with her husband instead. Defence lawyer Thomas Copeland described Mollah as a “hard-working man” and acknowledged the devastating impact on their children. Copeland said Mollah is trying to rebuild relationships and has “made progress in custody.” The horrific attack, sparked by a dispute over a property in Bangladesh, has left a family shattered and a woman fighting to reclaim her life. Date: 24th April 2026
