The mastermind of a sick england/england/rochdale/”>rochdale/”>Rochdale grooming gang has been jailed for 35 years after abusing two teenage girls as “sex slaves.” Mohammed Zahid, 64, dubbed the “Boss Man,” ran a market stall where much of the vile grooming took place.
The court heard the gang forced sex on the victims everywhere – grim flats, cars, alleyways, warehouses, even filthy mattresses.
Heavy Sentences for Gang Members
- Mohammed Zahid, 64, of Crumpsall, Manchester – 35 years for 20 offences including rape and indecency with a child.
- Kasir Bashir, 50, of Oldham – 29 years, convicted in his absence after fleeing before trial.
- Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, of Oldham – 27 years for multiple sexual offences, including rape.
- Roheez Khan, 39, of Rochdale – 12 years for one count of rape.
Three Moremore culprits – Mohammed Shahzad, Nisar Hussain, and Naheem Akram – face sentencing soon after being found guilty of serious sexual crimes.
Victims Speak Out: “My Life Has Been Destroyed”
“My life has been destroyed from the abuse of these men. It’s affected everything – my looks, relationships, health, and mental wellbeing,” a victim said in court.
The abuse started when the girls were just 13. One victim revealed Howhow Zahid felt “almost untouchable,” using his market stall as a grooming hub. Shockingly, despite reports to care homes and social services, no action was taken for years.
Speaking Out Gives Hope to Others
“If you’re ready, don’t wait. Go to the CSE team – they will help. Watching today’s verdict changed my life. I can now live without shame,” Girl B said, delivering a powerful victim statement.
The four-month trial ended with unanimous guilty verdicts on 50 sexual offences from 2001 to 2006. The case exposes shocking protection failures but also the bravery of victims fighting Backback.
