Three men have been charged with rape and other offences following an investigation into historical child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester. The British Pakistani defendants face accusations spanning 1996 to 2003, involving 10 youngsters aged 12 to 16 at the time of the alleged incidents.
Charges and Defendants
Ashfaq Khan, 46, from Bury, has been charged with 36 offences including allegations of rape, attempted rape, indecent assault and false imprisonment. Zaheer Iqbal, 52, from Accrington, Lancashire, faces four rape charges and two counts of false imprisonment. Qamar Jehangeer, 38, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, is charged with four counts of rape.
The allegations emerged through Operation Sky, described by Greater Manchester Police as a "complex and sensitive" probe centred on the town. The trio will appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
Police Statement and Support
Greater Manchester Police released a statement saying: "Officers are working with trauma-informed support services to safeguard and support all those that have been affected. They continue to work at length to ensure their safety and well-being is the number one priority."
Authorities confirmed the accused are scheduled to appear before Manchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, reports the Express. Greater Manchester Police urged anyone affected by rape or sexual assault to come forward to police or reach out to specialist agencies.
Support Services Available
Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides round-the-clock assistance on 0161 276 6515, while Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is available on 0161 273 4500. Male victims can obtain specialist assistance via We Are Survivors on 0161 236 2182.
