The twisted tale of TikTok influencer Mahek Bukhari and her mother took another dramatic turn as the Court of Appeal reduced their prison sentences for the brutal murders of two young men.
The Chilling Crime That Shocked Britain
Mahek Bukhari, 24, and her mother Ansreen Bukhari, 46, were convicted of murdering Saqib Hussain and Mohammed Hashim Ijazuddin after luring them to a meeting under false pretences. The horrific incident unfolded on the A46 in Leicestershire in February 2022, when the victims' Skoda was deliberately rammed off the road at nearly 100mph before bursting into flames.
From Social Media Stardom to Murder Conviction
Before her conviction, Mahek Bukhari had built a substantial following on TikTok, amassing over 130,000 followers with her fashion and lifestyle content. This glamorous online persona stood in stark contrast to the cold-blooded killer she would later be revealed to be.
The court heard how the murders stemmed from Ansreen Bukhari's affair with Mr Hussain. When he threatened to expose their relationship and demanded money, mother and daughter hatched a deadly plan to silence him permanently.
Appeal Court Reduces Sentences
Originally sentenced to life with a minimum term of 31 years and 9 months, Mahek Bukhari saw her tariff reduced to 28 years. Her mother Ansreen's sentence was similarly reduced from 26 years and 9 months to 25 years.
Lord Justice William Davis, delivering the appeal court ruling, acknowledged the "very grave" nature of the crime but found the original sentences had been "excessive" in their starting points.
A Calculated and Brutal Attack
The court heard harrowing details of the final moments of the two victims. In a desperate 999 call, Mr Hussain could be heard screaming "they're trying to kill me" as the defendants and their accomplices pursued their car.
The prosecution described how the group had laid in wait for the victims before chasing them at high speeds and deliberately forcing their car off the road in a calculated act of violence.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Impact
The case has raised serious questions about the disconnect between social media personas and real-life actions. While Mahek Bukhari presented a carefully curated image of glamour online, her actions revealed a capacity for extreme violence that shocked the nation.
The families of both victims continue to mourn their devastating loss, with the reduced sentences likely to bring fresh pain to those affected by this tragic case.
