The Metropolitan Police have named two men they want to trace in connection with the rape of a 13-year-old girl in east London, with one suspect believed to have fled to Bangladesh.
Jahidul Hassan Jaigirdar, 34, is thought to have travelled to Bangladesh, while Showkoth Ahmed, 31, is understood to remain in the UK. Both men have links to Tower Hamlets.
Attack in Bethnal Green
The investigation was launched at around 11.30pm on Thursday, August 1, 2024, after a report that a 13-year-old girl had been raped in Bethnal Green. The victim told police she had seen two men on Whitechapel Road who led her into nearby Weavers Fields, where the attack took place.
She was later found by a member of the public, who came to her assistance. Detectives believe the two men fled on the day officers made an earlier public appeal in September.
Investigation progress
Detectives have been investigating the case for more than two years, reviewing CCTV footage, conducting forensic examinations and speaking to potential witnesses. Following an appeal on September 18 this year, officers received information from members of the public which helped move the investigation forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Anna Deighton, who is leading the investigation, said: "We have carried out extensive enquiries since this offence was reported.
"I would like to thank everyone who responded to our appeal in September and provided information to police. The information we received has helped progress our investigation and led us to this stage of our enquiries.
"We are now naming Ahmed and Jaigirdar as men we need to trace and speak to. We believe Ahmed remains in the UK and Jaigirdar may have travelled to Bangladesh.
"We are asking anyone who knows their whereabouts, or who has information that could assist our investigation, to come forward immediately. We would also urge Ahmed and Jaigirdar to contact police."
Appeal for information
The attack has had a devastating impact on the young victim, with Crimestoppers describing it as a "horrific and traumatic attack". Alexa Loukas, the charity's regional manager for London, said locating the two men was now crucial to the investigation.
She said: "A young girl was subjected to a horrific and traumatic attack. While identifying the two men police wish to speak to is a positive step, locating them remains crucial.
"If anyone has any information, no matter how small, about where they are, you can share that information with the independent charity Crimestoppers. You will never be asked to provide your name or identify who you are. Your information could help move the investigation forward and protect other young women from harm."
A reward of up to £10,000 is being offered by Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 01/668295/24. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
