TikToker Who Killed Mother’s Younger Lover and Friend in Fiery Crash Has Prison Sentence Reduced
A recent ruling has reduced the prison sentence of Mahek Bukhari, a TikTok influencer involved in a tragic incident that claimed the lives of her mother’s younger lover, Saqib Hussain, and his friend, Mohammed Hashim Ijazuddin. Both victims were only 21 years old.
The Incident
The incident took place during a high-speed car chase on February 10, 2022. Saqib and Hashim were returning from Leicester when they found themselves pursued by multiple vehicles, including one driven by Bukhari and her mother, Ansreen Bukhari.
Prior Relationships and Motivations
- Saqib Hussain had been in a three-year relationship with Ansreen Bukhari, who was married at the time.
- He attempted to blackmail her using intimate videos, prompting Mahek to take action against him.
- In a series of ominous messages, Mahek expressed intentions to “silence” Saqib.
Trial and Sentencing
In September 2023, Mahek was sentenced to life imprisonment for two counts of murder, with a minimum term of over 31 years. However, after appealing her sentence, a panel of judges, including Lord Justice Warby, deemed the original term “manifestly excessive” and reduced her minimum sentence to 26 years and nearly 9 months.
Judges’ Justifications
- The judges acknowledged Mahek’s age and immaturity at the time of the offenses.
- They stated that the high-risk nature of the car chase should have been apparent to all involved.
- Other defendants implicated in the crime also saw reductions in their sentences.
Aftermath of the Crash
During the pursuit, Saqib made a desperate 999 call, pleading for help as he described being followed and rammed off the road. The call ended with horrifying screams moments before the car collided with a tree, splitting apart.
Legal Consequences for Accomplices
A total of six individuals faced charges in connection with the case:
- Mahek Bukhari and Ansreen Bukhari were convicted of murder.
- Rekhan Karwan and Raees Jamal were also found guilty of murder.
- Natasha Akhtar, Ameer Jamal, and Sanaf Gulamustafa were convicted of manslaughter.
Societal Implications
This tragic event has raised discussions around issues of obsession, blackmail, and the consequences of reckless behavior on the roads. The reduced sentences may continue to fuel debates on justice and accountability in cases of vehicular homicide.