Famous TikToker of Pakistani origin and her mother have received life sentences for their involvement in a horrifying double murder that unfolded in the heart of Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Mahek Bukhari, aged 24, and her mother, Ansreen Bukhari, aged 46, were found guilty of orchestrating the killings of two young men, both 21 years old, named Saqib Hussain and Hashim Ijazuddin. The court characterized this heinous act as a plot driven by “love, obsession, and extortion.”
During the trial at Leicester Crown Court, the motive behind this shocking crime was unveiled. It was revealed that Saqib Hussain had threatened to expose his affair with Ansreen Bukhari, leading to a sinister plan that ultimately resulted in a gruesome tragedy.
Mahek Bukhari, known for her substantial online following on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, was described by the court as “entirely self-obsessed.” Her obsession with fame and notoriety appeared to have played a significant role in the series of events that led to the murders.
In a chilling account of the crime, the court heard how the Bukharis had lured Saqib Hussain to a meeting in a Tesco car park, claiming they would reimburse him £3,000 he had spent during their relationship. Their primary objective was to retrieve explicit images of Ansreen, believed to be on Hussain’s mobile phone.
However, the situation escalated dramatically when a masked gang, recruited by the Bukharis, ambushed the victims. This led to a high-speed chase, with speeds reaching up to 90 mph, ultimately resulting in a fiery crash as the victims’ vehicle collided with a tree.
Justice Timothy Spencer KC, presiding over the case, delivered the sentences with a stern condemnation of the acts, labeling them as “cold-blooded murder.” He emphasized the significant role that social media played in the unfolding drama, particularly highlighting Mahek Bukhari’s tens of thousands of followers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
The judge did not hold back in his criticism of Mahek Bukhari, condemning her for her pursuit of “tawdry fame” and her “warped values” that demonstrated “no apparent awareness” of the consequences of her actions.
Ansreen Bukhari, on the other hand, became entangled in the controversy due to the “perceived glamour” of her daughter’s online career. The judge underscored that this world of social media stardom was vastly different from her life as a mother and housewife.
Furthermore, Justice Spencer scolded Ansreen for her “calamitous decision” to involve her daughter in the dispute with Saqib Hussain, highlighting key WhatsApp messages from Mahek that indicated sinister intent.
As the sentences were pronounced, a heart-wrenching scene unfolded in the courtroom. Mahek Bukhari blew a kiss to her father, who was present, before being taken into custody. The judge concluded by expressing his disappointment in Ansreen, stating that she should have acted as the “grown-up” in the situation and that her concerns about exposure had clouded her rational judgment.
This tragic case serves as a somber reminder of the profound and sometimes perilous consequences that can arise from the world of social media fame and obsession. The lives of two young men were tragically cut short, leaving behind shattered families and a community in shock.
