By The Nexus Gazette,
9th July, 2024.
Manchester, UK – In a dramatic culmination to a high-profile case, Osama Saeed, 32, and Asgar Taj, 35, were apprehended at Manchester Airport upon their return from abroad. The duo had fled the country during their trial for causing the death of Asad Rashid in a tragic road race incident.
The events leading to this arrest unfolded on September 15, 2020, on the A34 Handforth bypass, where a fatal collision occurred during a street race involving two cars and two motorcyclists. Asad Rashid, 34, lost his life when the vehicles, driven by Mohammad Zubair Chaudhry in an Audi R8 and Osama Saeed in an Audi RS3, collided with motorcycles ridden by Asgar Taj and Asad Rashid himself.
Both Osama Saeed and Asgar Taj had initially pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, admitting their culpability via remote connection during their trial. However, when the time came for sentencing, they absconded, leaving authorities to intensify efforts to locate them.
Cheshire Police successfully tracked down Saeed and Taj at Manchester Airport as they returned from Abu Dhabi. They were promptly brought before Minshull Street Crown Court where they received substantial sentences for their actions.
Osama Saeed, residing on St. Pauls Road, Bradford, and Asgar Taj of Heather Grove, Bradford, were each sentenced to 12 years in prison. Meanwhile, Mohammad Zubair Chaudhry, who also pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 10 years and 7 months, despite his absence during sentencing.
Mobile phone footage seized during the investigation revealed alarming “trophy videos” of the street race, showcasing dangerous speeds in a populated area. Judge Jason Macadam emphasized that the defendants had attempted to evade justice but were ultimately held accountable for their actions.
The apprehension of Osama Saeed and Asgar Taj marks a significant moment in a case that has highlighted the devastating consequences of reckless driving. As the legal process continues, authorities remain committed to bringing justice for Asad Rashid and his family.
Resources:
1.https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/men-arrested-at-airport-after-trying-to-flee-trial/ar-BB1pCnjF
4.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c849gjjvjxdo
5.https://feeds.bbci.co.uk/news/articles/c849gjjvjxdo