Inquest into death of schoolgirl, 11, halted to investigate 'new evidence'

21 November 2023 , 15:35

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An inquest heard how Falaq Babar, from Rochdale, was killed (Image: MEN Media)

The inquest into the circumstances of an 11-year-old girl's death in Rochdale had to be halted during the proceedings so that police could assess new evidence.

Falaq Babar, from Rochdale, passed away in hospital on March 18 2022 after being struck down inside the bathroom of her home on February 20.

Coroner Joanne Kearsley yesterday heard evidence from members of the little girl's family and from the North West Ambulance Service. This included the testimony of the 11-year-old's older half-brother Suhail Mohammed, who claims to have "barged" through the door to the room that Falaq was in. He said after doing so, he discovered his sibling on the floor.

However, further evidence provided at court included a text message exchange between Mohammed and his partner Sahar Fiaz. During the SMS conversation, he told her he had "punched" and "killed" the youngster. As the inquest resumed this morning, the coroner said that Greater Manchester Police had made an application for the inquest to be adjourned due to the "new evidence" that "came to light".

"I'm not in a position to go into the full details," Ms Kearsley said, according to the Manchester Evening News. "It arose from some of the details the court heard yesterday." GMP requested 'six to eight weeks' to investigate the new evidence, which Ms Kearsley granted. Addressing Falaq's family, Ms Kearsley added: "I know that you have waited a long time for Falaq's inquest and I appreciate it's difficult. But I am sure you will appreciate what I am here to do is to get to the truth surrounding your daughter's death, and for you to be able to understand what happened to Falaq. So in light of that I am going to grant this adjournment."

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Mr Mohammed told the court yesterday he heard 'bickering' with a younger brother who wanted to get in the bathroom while she was inside on February 20 last year. "I've tried opening the door," he said. "I used quite a bit of force. As I used the force, Falaq was on the other side of the door."

Mr Mohammed suggested the door may have been stuck due to 'dampness'. He described 'barging' it once with his 'shoulder and elbow', before finding Falaq 'on the floor' near the radiator. The court heard Falaq went 'in and out of consciousness' and started being sick. Mr Mohammed called for an ambulance using his mum's phone, telling the call handler Falaq had 'slipped', but on the same morning text Ms Fiaz to say: "I've killed Falaq... I've punched her in the head."

Mr Mohammed declined to answer questions on the text exchange in court yesterday, with Ms Kearsley warning him his answers could incriminate him. Ms Fiaz had been called up to give evidence today.

After granting the adjournment, Ms Kearsley directed GMP to speak to Ms Fiaz as it continues its investigation into Falaq's death. She requested an update from the force within eight weeks, with a new date for Falaq's inquest to be confirmed 'if it can resume'.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News earlier this year, mum Shazia Bi said: "How lucky we were to have Falaq in our lives for a short time, but she has left us with so many memories and love. We all cherished her, and she will always stay in our hearts and thoughts forever. Mum, dad, and brother will never forget you. We as a family cannot come to terms with the loss of such a beautiful soul. We love you, Falaq."

Stephen Topping