MUHAMMAD ABDUR RAKIB AND MUHAMMAD ABDUL KAIUM FROM PETERHEAD CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN ABERDEEN

Two men employed at an Indian restaurant in Peterhead, Muhammad Abdur Rakib and Muhammad Abdul Kaium, have been found guilty of sexually assaulting two teenage girls following a night out in Aberdeen. The victims, aged 16 and 17, provided detailed accounts of the events, describing how the two men, both aged 37, initially took them to a nightclub in Aberdeen for drinks before escorting them to a hotel in the city centre.

Rakib, who is identified as the head chef at Zara's Indian Cuisine in Peterhead, was convicted of assaulting one of the girls inside a room at the Mercure Hotel located on Union Terrace. Meanwhile, Kaium was found guilty of assaulting the other girl during a car journey into Aberdeen. The court proceedings included vivid testimonies from the victims, who recounted the distressing incidents in detail. The case has garnered significant attention due to the nature of the offenses and the disturbing evidence presented.

Both defendants maintained their innocence throughout the trial. Rakib claimed that he only drove the girls because they said they needed to get to the city, and he accused the victims of attempting to harm him. Despite his assertions, the sheriff dismissed a motion by Rakib’s legal team to halt the proceedings, citing concerns that he was attempting to evade justice. Both men relied on interpreters during the trial, indicating language barriers that may have complicated the case.

As the court prepares to deliver its sentencing in July, Rakib and Kaium face serious consequences. Due to the severity of their crimes, they will be subject to the sexual offenses register and are required to inform police of any change of address. The case also included CCTV footage and graphic testimonies, which showed the victims escaping their ordeal around 4:50 am, highlighting the disturbing nature of the incident and the importance of justice being served.