Toddler Zahra Ghulami Dies After Horrific Head Injuries
Toddler Zahra Ghulami suffered serious head injuries at her Gravesend home and was rushed to hospital in Dartford on 27 May 2020. Despite medical efforts, she tragically died two days later in a London hospital on 29 May.
Adoptive Father Found Guilty of Murder After Trial
After a gruelling seven-week trial at Maidstone Crown Court, Zahra’s adoptive dad, Jan Ghulami, has been found guilty of her murder and child neglect. His wife, Roqia Ghulami, was also convicted of child neglect. The couple had adopted Zahra from Afghanistan before settling in the UK.
Shocking Injuries and Lies Exposed
Jan and Roqia were arrested the day Zahra was admitted following concerns from hospital staff. Jan claimed he returned from shopping to find Zahra injured at their Oak Road home but said he didn’t see her fall down the stairs. He tried calling an ambulance but struggled due to poor English and ended up taking Zahra to hospital in a taxi driven by a family friend. Roqia stayed home with their three other children.
Doctors found not only Zahra’s fatal head injury but also evidence of old injuries — including a skull fracture and healing breaks in her arm and shoulder. Medical experts concluded Zahra’s fatal injury was likely caused by being violently thrown, not a fall down the stairs, noting the absence of typical bruises on her limbs.
Dark Past and Justice Awaited
The trial revealed disturbing past incidents, including Jan assaulting Roqia publicly. He’d served a short jail term for these violent episodes. Both are now awaiting sentencing, scheduled for 16 February 2024.
“Zahra had her life taken away from her by two people who had a responsibility to care for her,” said Detective Inspector Ross Gurden.
“Jan inflicted the injuries whilst Roqia knew what was happening but failed to stop it. Zahra would have been six now, starting school, learning about the world — but her life was cut short by the very people meant to protect her.”
“I commend the jury for their important role in securing justice for Zahra.”
