Bethnal Green rape suspect believed to have fled to Bangladesh

A man accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in Bethnal Green is thought to have travelled to Bangladesh, Scotland Yard has stated. Police are seeking Jahidul Hassan Jaigirdar, 34, and Showkoth Ahmed, 31, both with links to Tower Hamlets, in connection with the alleged offence.

The incident occurred on August 1, 2024, when the victim reported seeing two men on Whitechapel Road. She stated they led her into Weavers Fields, where the alleged rape took place. A member of the public later found the victim and provided assistance.

Investigation Progress

Over the two years since the offence was reported, Metropolitan Police officers have reviewed CCTV footage, conducted forensic examinations, and spoken with potential witnesses. On September 18, 2024, the Met received information from the public that advanced the investigation, leading to the current appeals to trace Jaigirdar and Ahmed.

While Jaigirdar is believed to have gone to Bangladesh, police suspect Ahmed may still be in the UK. Detective Chief Inspector Anna Deighton, who is leading the investigation, thanked the public for their contributions. "The information we received has helped progress our investigation and led us to this stage of our enquiries," she said, as reported by MyLondon.

DCI Deighton urged anyone with knowledge of the men's whereabouts to come forward immediately and also appealed directly to Ahmed and Jaigirdar to contact the police. Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the attack.

Alexa Loukas, regional manager for London at Crimestoppers, emphasised the importance of locating the individuals. "If anyone has any information, no matter how small, about where they are, you can share that information with the independent charity Crimestoppers," she stated, according to MyLondon. "You will never be asked to provide your name or identify who you are."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting reference 01/668295/24. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously via 0800 55 111 or through their website.