Indian-origin imam jailed for life in UK for sexually assaulting women, minors, after claiming powers like ‘Djinn’

An Indian-origin imam in East London who allegedly raped multiple women and underage girls after convincing them he possessed supernatural powers has been reportedly sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years by a UK court.

As per reports, Abdul Halim Khan, 54, abused seven women and girls as young as 12 from the Bangladeshi Muslim community in nine years between 2005 and 2014, exploiting his position as a religious leader to sexually assault his victims. He allegedly lured them to isolated flats and hidden locations in East London under the guise of religious healing rituals.

The sentence was delivered at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday.

Khan, who served as an imam in East London’s Old Ford Road area, was found guilty in February on 21 charges, including rape, sexual assault and child sexual offences committed against victims in isolated flats and hidden locations.

Reports citing prosecutors state Khan manipulated victims into believing he was possessed by a “djinn”, or supernatural spirit, during the assaults and claimed he could rid them of evil spirits through religious cleansing rituals.

One victim reportedly told the court she was only 13 years old when Khan sexually assaulted her and that she genuinely believed he had supernatural powers.

Victims also said Khan threatened them with harm, death or “black magic” against their families if they disclosed the abuse.

Judge Leslie Cuthbert described Khan’s actions as a “deliberate distortion of the Muslim faith”.

As per reports, the judge observed that behind a public appearance of propriety and holiness, Khan took monstrous advantage of women who trusted him, all for his own sexual satisfaction.

The court heard that Khan specifically targeted women and girls from the Bangladeshi Muslim community, believing they would be reluctant to report the abuse due to shame and fear of his authority as a religious figure.

Prosecutors said Khan lured victims to secluded locations by claiming he could cure illnesses or remove evil spirits.

In one case cited before the court, Khan allegedly told a young girl suffering from ovarian cancer that only he could cure her before taking her to an isolated area and raping her.

The court also heard victim impact statements detailing the long-term psychological trauma caused by the abuse.

The victim reportedly called Khan an ‘evil personified’. 

According to the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service, Khan used lies, manipulation and fear to maintain control over his victims, many of whom as a respected and trustworthy religious leader.