Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Jan 14: Over 200 members of the Sikh community assembled in West London to rescue a 16-year-old Sikh girl allegedly groomed and abducted by a man linked to a grooming gang, following which the suspect was taken into police custody after hours of protest in the Hounslow area.

According to the Sikh Press Association, the accused, believed to be in his late 30s, had allegedly been targeting underage girls in the area and began grooming the victim when she was around 13 years old.

The incident gained widespread attention after videos of the rescue went viral on social media, showing the accused being escorted into a police van amid protests by community members and the girl’s parents.

On December 30, 2025, Sikh community platform AK Media 47 shared footage on Instagram showing its lead activist Jassa Singh confronting the alleged groomer, reportedly of Afghan Muslim background. Neighbours were also heard accusing the man of maintaining an inappropriate relationship with a minor and claimed he had been seen with other young girls.

Reports said the girl was allegedly persuaded to leave her family home after turning 16 using common grooming tactics. Police intervention was reportedly delayed due to legal loopholes, prompting Sikh organisations to step in and ensure her safety.

Hounslow, which has around 20 secondary schools, witnesses thousands of children passing through the area daily, raising serious concerns over child safety.

Meanwhile, UK-based Sikh groups, including Sikh Youth UK (SYUK), have announced a nationwide inquiry into grooming cases involving Sikh girls. Community leaders said groomers often exploit emotional manipulation and interfaith tensions to isolate victims, with several cases reportedly leading to abuse and exploitation.

The Sikh community has demanded stronger legal safeguards and swift action to prevent the operation of grooming networks across the UK.