Two men have appeared in court this month in connection with an investigation into alleged non-recent child rapes and sexual exploitation in Bury, part of a wider probe led by Greater Manchester Police.
Charges relate to offences in late 1990s and early 2000s
Qamar Jehangeer, 44, of Jolly Mews, Harwood, and Zaheer Iqbal, 52, of Hawksworth Road, Accrington, both attended Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 22 July. Jehangeer is charged with four counts of rape of a girl under 16 and two counts of false imprisonment. Iqbal faces four counts of rape of a girl under 16. Prosecutors say the alleged offending took place in the Bury area between 1996 and 2003.
A third defendant, Ashfaq Khan, 46, of Bury, has been charged with a larger set of offences relating to the same investigation but has not yet appeared before the court. Khan is accused of 36 counts of rape of a girl under 16, the attempted rape of a girl under 16, indecent assault and false imprisonment.
Investigation and support for victims
Greater Manchester Police have described the inquiry, known within the force as Operation Sky, as a complex and sensitive investigation into non-recent child sexual abuse. Officers say the charges arise from allegations involving 10 girls aged between 12 and 16 at the time.
"The charges follow Operation Sky, a complex and sensitive investigation regarding alleged offences in Bury between 1996 and 2003. 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 wellbeing is the number one priority."
Police statements emphasise that specialist, trauma-informed services are being used to support alleged victims. The force has not released further detail about the identities of those involved or the locations of the alleged offending, citing the sensitive nature of the case and the need to protect victims.
Next court appearances and bail decisions
Court paperwork records that neither Jehangeer nor Iqbal entered pleas at their magistrates' hearing. Iqbal was granted conditional bail, while Jehangeer was remanded into custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing due to be held at Manchester Crown Court next month. Further dates are expected to be set as proceedings progress.
- Three men charged as part of Operation Sky investigation
- Allegations concern offences said to have occurred 1996–2003 in Bury
- Police working with trauma-informed support services for alleged victims
Local implications
The allegations and subsequent charges have significant local resonance. Historic child sexual abuse inquiries can reopen trauma for survivors and raise difficult questions for communities about safeguarding in past decades. The involvement of multiple defendants and the number of alleged victims mean the case is likely to involve detailed police work and sensitive court procedures over an extended period.
| Defendant | Age | Alleged charges | Next court step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qamar Jehangeer | 44 | Four counts rape (girl under 16); two counts false imprisonment | Remanded; plea and trial prep at Manchester Crown Court |
| Zaheer Iqbal | 52 | Four counts rape (girl under 16) | Granted conditional bail; to return to court |
| Ashfaq Khan | 46 | 36 counts rape (girl under 16); attempted rape; indecent assault; false imprisonment | Charged; yet to appear at court |
The force has asked anyone with information connected to Operation Sky to come forward. People with relevant intelligence can contact Greater Manchester Police through the usual reporting routes. For those affected by historic sexual abuse, the force and partner agencies have indicated that specialist support is being provided.
As the case moves through the courts next month, it will be important for hearings to progress with care to protect alleged victims and ensure a fair process for those accused. InfoRadar will continue to follow developments closely and report confirmed court dates and outcomes.
