Uncovering Neglect: Social Services Workers Failed to Protect Two Teenage Girls Repeatedly Raped by Men of Asian Descent – Tories Demand New Grooming Gang Investigation
The appalling extent of abuse inflicted by the latest Rochdale grooming ring has refueled demands for a nationwide inquiry into how countless young girls were abandoned to such cruelty. The sensational trial, which ended with all seven offenders being convicted of rape, brought to light the distressing failure of authorities to shield their vulnerable victims.
A girl, just ten years old and living in a children's home, was callously disregarded by social workers who labeled her as a "prostitute." The Conservative Party has again requested a national inquiry, armed with the power to summon witnesses to testify. This call followed years of inaction from the Labour government, which refused to acknowledge the urgency of such an investigation and instead opted for local inquiries.
Chris Philp, Shadow Home Secretary, voiced his frustration: "It should not have taken 20 years to secure these convictions. This vile abuse was suppressed for far too long because the perpetrators were predominantly of Pakistani origin, and police and local councils were more concerned about racial harmony than the protection of young, defenseless girls." No one in authority has ever faced reprimand for turning a blind eye to these heinous crimes.
The newest group of offenders serves as the first Asian pedophile ring to be convicted since the debate over Britain's "rape gangs" ignited an extraordinary exchange of words across the Atlantic. The trial unfolded just weeks after Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips refused a request from the local council in Oldham to launch a Home Office-led public inquiry into child sex exploitation, sparking a fierce response from Elon Musk. The Tesla founder accused Phillips of supporting rape and condoning genocide, with Keir Starmer also targeted for allegedly allowing these gangs to thrive while serving as Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Prime Minister then exacerbated the controversy by accusing those calling for a new public inquiry of pandering to the far-right. The prosecution revealed that the gang targeted the vulnerabilities of their victims, grooming girls as young as 13 between 2001 and 2006. The ringleader, Pakistan-born Mohammed Zahid, ran an underwear stall at Rochdale market in the early 2000s, preying on young girls' attraction to his merchandise as a way to lure them into a life of misery.
The tourism-famous Rochdale market, in operation since 1251, became a haunt for the predators, who used their stalls as predatory grounds before hauling the girls off to be violated. Simon Danczuk, former Rochdale MP, stated, "This horrendous case underscores the need for a national inquiry. It's past time for the truth to come to light, and for those responsible for these cover-ups to be brought to justice."
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Kemi Badenoch criticizes Labour over the "cover-up" over the inquiry into grooming gangs
With the latest set of convictions, the focus now shifts to those responsible for the law enforcement and social services failures in the early 2000s. Officers, social workers, and local politicians all turning a blind eye to the rape and abuse of young girls in Rochdale allowed the predators to continue with their monstrous acts. "Labour doesn't want an inquiry to happen because they know their activists at all levels have covered up Asian grooming gangs due to fear of upsetting the Muslim vote," Badenoch stated, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Sharon Hubber, director of children's services at Rochdale Borough Council, expressed regret for the inadequate measures taken and the failures that occurred during that time. Previous trials and investigations have shed light on networks of depraved taxi drivers and takeout staff, mainly from Rochdale's Pakistani community, who reveled in passing around vulnerable girls and sexually abusing them.
While the markets have historically served as a prominent aspect of Rochdale's prosperity and culture, they were infiltrated by sexual predators like Zahid. His offerings were met with suspicion and disgust by many traders––despite his use of the market to groom his victims. But his tactics were never suspected.
One trader described Zahid as a "pest" and a "creep," while another woman shared her feelings of intimidation and discomfort around him. "He was known for preying on women, especially young girls," one trader recounted. "Everyone knew he was a pervert, but what he did is still unimaginably shocking."
Revealed: Ringleader of Rochdale grooming gang to evade deportation due to a loophole that allowed him to renounce citizenship of his native country just five days before a crucial hearing
Girl B, the second victim in the latest case, recounted being abused by almost 100 men since the age of 13. Since her release from prison in 2016, Zahid was living off government benefits. The latest convictions mark the eighth time a group of mainly Pakistani offenders have been convicted of grooming girls in Rochdale, with another 20 men charged and five additional trials planned.
Greater Manchester Police have pledged to improve their treatment of sexual abuse victims, insisting that their mindset has progressed significantly since the initial Rochdale scandal. However, campaigners and victims' groups are calling for reinforcement in the ongoing battle against today's grooming gangs. Police chiefs themselves admit that the tactics of the offenders have simply evolved, targeting victims via vape shops and sleazy back-street hotels.
A 2024 report into Rochdale's grooming gangs once again criticized the local authorities, stating they had committed a "serious failure to protect children." Meanwhile, the Rochdale grooming scandal, exposed through takeout businesses, has its roots in the industrial town.
- The call for a national inquiry into child sex exploitation has been renewed, as the newest convictions of an Asian pedophile ring highlight the disregard of authorities towards vulnerable victims.
- The spotlight now falls on those responsible for the failures in law enforcement and social services during the early 2000s, including officers, social workers, and local politicians who allegedly turned a blind eye to the rape and abuse of young girls.
- with Kemi Badenoch criticizing Labour for a perceived cover-up over the inquiry into grooming gangs, emphasizing the need for accountability.
- The market in Rochdale, a tourist attraction and cultural symbol, was infiltrated by sexual predators like Mohammed Zahid, who used it as a ground to groom and exploit young girls.
