By-deepika lama
October 2, 2025 – America News World Exclusive
In a deeply shocking and heartbreaking case that has shaken the United Kingdom, a 65-year-old man of Pakistani origin, known as “Boss Man,” has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for leading a ruthless grooming gang that raped two innocent 13-year-old schoolgirls in Rochdale between 2001 and 2006. This man, Mohammed Zahid, turned a simple market stall into a trap, luring the girls with gifts like free underwear, money, and alcohol, only to demand unspeakable acts in return. Alongside him, six other men from the same background have been locked away for 12 to 29 years each. This story is more than just a crime report—it’s a tale of unimaginable pain, the failure of those meant to protect, and a long, hard-fought battle for justice that has finally reached a turning point. As we dive into this emotional narrative, let’s hold space for the victims and reflect on what this means for the world, including here in America.

A Trap Woven with False Kindness
Mohammed Zahid’s story begins in a place that should have been safe—Rochdale Indoor Market, where people went to buy clothes, chat with neighbors, and live their daily lives. But behind his friendly face and the lingerie stall he ran, Zahid hid a dark and sinister plan. He targeted two young girls, known only as Girl A and Girl B, who were just 13 years old when their nightmare started. These girls came from homes filled with chaos and hardship, where love and stability were hard to find. Zahid saw their vulnerability and used it against them. He offered them free underwear, cash, alcohol, food, drugs, and cigarettes—gifts that felt like a lifeline to girls who felt lost. For a moment, they might have thought someone cared about them. But this kindness was a cruel trick.
In exchange for these gifts, Zahid and his gang expected something terrible: “regular sex whenever and wherever” they demanded. The girls were taken to the most frightening and dirty places—filthy flats with stained, rancid mattresses, the backseats of cars, dark alleyways, and abandoned warehouses where no one would hear their cries. Over five long years, from 2001 to 2006, they were hurt again and again. Girl A later revealed that her phone number spread around the town, leading to her being targeted by over 200 men. Picture a young girl, barely a teenager, facing wave after wave of abuse from strangers. Girl B suffered the same fate, her innocence shattered by men who saw her as nothing more than a thing to use and throw away. The depth of their pain is something we can hardly imagine, and it changed their lives forever in the worst possible way.
The Faces of a Cruel Gang
Zahid was the leader, the one who started it all, but he didn’t act alone. In June 2025, a jury at Manchester Minshull Street Court found seven men guilty of these horrific crimes after a long trial. Zahid, a father of three who was born in Pakistan, received the longest sentence—35 years behind bars. This wasn’t his first brush with the law; in 2016, he served five years for abusing another 14-year-old girl he met at his stall. Given a second chance, he chose to hurt again, proving his heart was cold and unrepentant.
The other members of this gang came from different walks of life but shared the same evil intent. Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, from Oldham, and Kasir Bashir, 50, formerly of Oldham, were market traders like Zahid. They were jailed for 27 and 29 years respectively for raping and harming Girl B. Tragically, Bashir fled the country while on bail and was sentenced in his absence, leaving justice incomplete for now. Then there were the taxi drivers: Mohammed Shahzad, 44, Naheem Akram, 49, and Nisar Hussain, 41, all from Rochdale, who received 26, 26, and 19 years each for raping Girl A. Roheez Khan, 39, from Rochdale, got 12 years for one count of rape. Together, these men formed a network of predators who preyed on the weakest, turning a community into a place of fear.
A Secret Buried for Too Long
The world might never have learned about this gang if one brave victim hadn’t found the strength to speak. In 2015, one of the girls—already scarred by another grooming gang—went to the police and told her story. Her courage was the first step toward justice, but it took a decade for the full truth to emerge. The crimes happened between 2001 and 2006, meaning the girls endured five years of torment before anyone stepped in to help. Judge Jonathan Seely, who handed down the sentences, called the abuse “appalling” and described how the girls were “passed around for sex—abused, humiliated, degraded and then discarded.” His words carry the weight of a judge who saw the depth of their suffering and felt the anger of a system that let them down.
But the judge’s words also pointed to a painful truth: the authorities failed these girls miserably. Police and social services saw signs of trouble—red flags that screamed for action—but did nothing. Reports suggest the Labour government even blocked a public inquiry that could have uncovered these failures years earlier. It’s heartbreaking to think that help was so close, yet the girls were left to suffer alone, their cries ignored by those who should have been their protectors. This failure adds another layer of pain to an already tragic story, leaving us to wonder how many other children have been hurt in silence.
The Victims’ Heartfelt Voices
When Girl A and Girl B shared their stories in court, their words touched the hearts of everyone who heard them. Girl A said, “My childhood was taken away. I meant nothing to them, and their actions destroyed my life.” Her voice carried the sorrow of a girl who lost her innocence and her future to monsters. She spoke of a time that should have been filled with laughter and learning, replaced instead with fear and shame. Girl B called her ordeal “horrific,” explaining how it stopped her from growing up the way she should have and even hurt her own children, who now bear the weight of her pain. These young women, now adults, carry scars that may never fade. Yet their strength in speaking out is a beacon of hope, showing the world that even in the darkest times, resilience can shine through.
A Call for Change That Resonates
The conviction of Zahid and his gang is a victory, a moment of relief after years of darkness. But it’s also a loud wake-up call. Chris Philp, the Conservatives’ Shadow Home Secretary, demanded a national inquiry, saying, “It should not have taken 20 years to get these convictions.” His words echo the frustration and anger of a nation that wants answers. Why did it take so long to catch these men? Who else failed these girls, and how many more are suffering right now? Philp believes no one has been held accountable for the cover-ups, and his call for a thorough investigation is a plea for justice to be complete. This isn’t just a UK issue—it’s a global cry for systems to protect the vulnerable before it’s too late.
A Lesson for the World, Including America
This story reaches far beyond Rochdale. Grooming gangs are a global problem, preying on the vulnerable with promises of love or care. In America, too, we must open our eyes to the signs of abuse and protect our children. The Rochdale case shows what happens when society turns away—when neighbors, teachers, and officials fail to act. But it also shows the power of one voice to change everything. The girls’ bravery has brought these monsters to justice, and their story can inspire us to be vigilant. Parents, teachers, and communities everywhere must stay alert. If you see something wrong, speak up—because every child deserves a safe and happy childhood, free from fear.
The Road to Healing Begins
As Zahid and his gang sit in prison, the fight for healing is just beginning. The victims will need support—counseling, love, and a chance to rebuild their lives. The UK government now faces pressure to investigate its past mistakes and ensure this never happens again. Across the globe, including here in the United States, we must learn from this tragedy. Schools, churches, and neighborhoods can become places of safety if we all play a role. If a child seems troubled or a situation feels off, don’t wait—reach out. The Rochdale girls’ story is a reminder that action can save lives.
A Community’s Reflection
Rochdale, a town that once felt like a quiet corner of England, will never be the same. Neighbors who shopped at Zahid’s stall or rode in those taxis may feel betrayed, wondering how such evil hid in plain sight. The market, once a place of community, now carries a shadow. But from this darkness, a lesson emerges: trust must be earned, and vigilance is everyone’s responsibility. The people of Rochdale, and indeed the world, are left to ask how they can prevent such pain in the future. Support groups, awareness campaigns, and stronger laws could be part of the answer.
The Global Ripple Effect
This case has sparked conversations worldwide. In India, where this story was first reported by India Today World Desk and written by Gaurav Kumar on October 1, 2025, people are talking about child safety and the need for better protection. In America, advocates for children’s rights are using it as a call to action. Social media is buzzing with hashtags like #JusticeForRochdale and #ProtectOurKids, showing a global movement to stand against abuse. Celebrities and activists are joining the conversation, urging governments to act. It’s a ripple effect that started with two brave girls and could change how we protect the next generation.
What We Can Do
As readers of America News World, you have a role to play. Talk to your children about safety—teach them to recognize when something feels wrong and to tell a trusted adult. Support organizations that help victims of abuse. Write to your local representatives and demand stronger laws and better training for police and social workers. Every step counts. The Rochdale case shows that silence helps the abusers, but action can bring hope.
A Promise for the Future
As we close this story, let’s make a promise. Let’s honor Girl A and Girl B by learning from their pain. Let’s work together to create a world where no child suffers like they did. The 35-year sentence for Zahid and the jail terms for his gang are a start, but true justice will come when every child is safe. Stay tuned to America News World for updates on this developing story, and let’s keep the conversation alive.