Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
AS MANY AS 42 people including three women were charged during a police investigation into a non-recent child sexual exploitation case in West Yorkshire, the BBC reported.
The 39 men and three women, most from Kirklees, have been charged with a variety of offences.
Those charged appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (30), the report added.
According to the BBC, the alleged offences were committed against six girls between 1995 and 2015, mostly at addresses in Dewsbury and Batley.
West Yorkshire Police said those charged were:
Donna Lynn, 41, from Heckmondwike, charged with causing the prostitution of a girl under 16, allowing a premise to be used for unlawful sexual intercourse, procuring a female under 21, and controlling prostitution.
Mohammed Yakub, 64, and Yousuf Motala, 69, Zulfiquar Ali, 42, Mohammed Jabbar Qayum, 40, Mohammed Ishtiaq Hussain, 47, Mohammed Farooq, 52, Mohammed Luqman Daji, 44, Ali Shan Waheed, 41, Mohammed Ramzan, 64, all from Dewsbury, were charged with an offence of rape.
Nasir Billimoria, 68, from Batley, charged with an offence of rape, and procuring a female under 21.
Ebrahim Mamaniatt, 52, Liaquat Ali, 65, Hashim Sacha, 53, Liaquat Hussain Hanif, 45, and Rafiq Patel, 69, Abbas Kaji, 52, Mohammed Yasin, 48, Zaheed Ali Novsarka, 53, all from Batley, were charged with an offence of rape.
Nobhar Shah, 69, from Batley, was charged with two offences of rape and living on the earnings of prostitution.
Ibrahim Khalifa, 83, from Bradford, and Manaf Hussain, 47, from Heckmondwike, were charged with an offence of rape.
Maria O'Rouke, 42, from Batley, was charged with causing the prostitution of a girl under 16, allowing a premise to be used for unlawful sexual intercourse and controlling prostitution.
Riaz Shaikh, 57, from Dewsbury, was charged with an offence of rape and an offence of indecent assault.
Amjid Rangzeb, 43, from Batley, charged with an offence of rape and an offence of false imprisonment.
Shakeel Haq, 44, from Birmingham, was charged with an offence of rape and an offence of false imprisonment.
Mohammed Abbas, 60, and Shafaquat Afzal Hussain, 45, both from Dewsbury, were charged with an offence of rape.
Tariq Azam, 52, from Dewsbury, was charged with three offences of rape and three offences of indecent assault.
Aurrangzeb Azam, 50, from Dewsbury, was charged with three offences of rape, two offences of indecent assault and an offence of false imprisonment.
Israr Hussain, 46, from Dewsbury, charged with three offences of rape, two offences of indecent assault and an offence of false imprisonment.
Mohammed Sheikh, 48, from Batley, was charged with an offence of rape and an offence of indecent assault.
Mohammed Tariq, 62, from Bradford, was charged with two offences of rape.
Sajid Majid, 48, from Mirfield, was charged with an offence of rape and an offence of indecent assault.
Ansar Mahmood Qayum, 44, from Dewsbury, was charged with an offence of rape and an offence of indecent assault.
Shafiq Siddique, 52, from Dewsbury, charged with an offence of rape and an offence of false imprisonment.
Tasawar Hussain, 42, from Heckmondwike, was charged with an offence of rape.
Mohammed Munir Shaffi, 43, from Dewsbury, was charged with two offences of rape.
Nassar Liaquat Khan, 42, from Keighley and Mohammed Riaz Khan, 47, from Heckmondwike, were charged with an offence of rape.
Janine Green, 44, from Batley, charged with encouraging prostitution, allowing premises to be used for unlawful sexual intercourse and controlling prostitution.
Ismail Seedat, 51, from Batley, was charged with indecent assault.
Sadiq Khan calls Diwali on the Square a “festival of unity” celebrating London’s diversity.
Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square for music, dance, food and family-friendly activities.
Organised by Diwali in London Committee with Chinmaya Mission UK as chair.
Deputy High Commissioner Kartik Pande calls Diwali a symbol of India-UK friendship.
MAYOR of London Sadiq Khan described this year’s Diwali on the Square at Trafalgar Square as a festival of unity that brought hundreds of people together over the weekend.
The annual free event, themed “Educate, Illuminate, Celebrate”, drew long queues stretching for miles as crowds gathered for Indian music, dance performances, devotional bhajans, and street food stalls. The family-friendly activities included sari and turban tying, yoga and meditation sessions, henna art, puppet shows, and dance workshops.
“Those of you here are proud Londoners, proudly British, proudly English, but also proudly Hindu, Sikh and Jain; you can be a proud Londoner and celebrate Diwali,” Khan said, addressing the crowd.
“Yet there are people across our country and across the globe that try and divide communities, try and turn one against the other – turn Hindus against Sikhs, or Muslims against Jews, or Christians against Buddhists, you show our city at its very, very best. You show the importance of the teachings of Diwali… how light defeats darkness, good defeats evil,” he said.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to share in the spirit of Diwali on Trafalgar Square today and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
I wish a very happy Diwali to London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities as they celebrate next week. pic.twitter.com/sollzFChF0 — Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) October 12, 2025
The Mayor said Diwali celebrations in the “most famous square in the world” represent why London is the “greatest city in the world”.
Diwali on the Square was organised in partnership with the volunteer-led Diwali in London (DiL) committee, supported this year by Chinmaya Mission UK as chair, along with partner organisations Remitly, Lidl, and Daawat.
“It has been a privilege to serve as part of the chair team in helping to coordinate this spectacular and popular annual event in the heart of London’s iconic square, which brings together a diverse range of organisations and communities in a spirit of unity,” said Dr Milen Shah of Chinmaya Mission UK.
“This enjoyable, educational, and wonderful event will shine a light on the deeper meaning and purpose of Diwali for all who attend,” he said.
The celebration opened with around 200 dancers from different parts of India performing in the centre of Trafalgar Square, followed by musical performances and dance-dramas depicting the story of Diwali and how it is celebrated across communities.
“At its core, Diwali is a joyful celebration of the universal values of harmony, strength in diversity and hope,” said Kartik Pande, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK.
“This festival also epitomises the energy, creativity and contribution of the Indian diaspora and community that has enriched the very fabric of the social life of this great city. It is also a vibrant symbol of the India-UK friendship, and the recently concluded successful visit of Prime Minister Starmer (to India) adds another element of bonhomie,” he said.
Starmer was in Mumbai last week for a two-day visit during which both countries agreed to give fresh momentum to the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and build on opportunities from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) agreed in July.
“We are honoured to join London’s South Asian communities in marking this significant cultural tradition, one that continues to enrich the city’s diverse fabric while inspiring people worldwide,” said a spokesperson for international money transfer firm Remitly.
“As a company dedicated to fostering connection and care, we take pride in supporting this important festival and reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve,” the spokesperson said.
“With cultural marquees and family-friendly activities throughout the square, there was something for everyone to enjoy,” added Sarita Menon from the Diwali in London Committee.
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