A man from North West England has been convicted of a brutal and senseless crime, as he was found guilty of murdering his own wife while she was innocently pushing their baby in a stroller. Habibur Rahman Masum, 26, was charged with murder, assault, making threats to kill, and stalking in Bradford Crown Court on June 27. This harrowing incident unfolded on April 6 when Masum relentlessly tracked down his wife, Kulsuma Akter, 25, who had been seeking refuge in a safe house due to his alarming threats.
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According to reports from the Crown Prosecution Service, Masum had been sending messages to Akter, expressing his intent to end her life. He even went as far as sending her photos and videos, indicating that he knew her whereabouts, causing immense fear and distress for Akter. Tragically, on that fateful day, as Akter was out shopping with their seven-month-old child, Masum located her and subjected her to a vicious attack. He callously stabbed her over 25 times with a kitchen knife, causing fatal injuries.
During Masum’s trial at the Bradford Crown Court, the prosecutor, Stephen Wood KC, highlighted a disturbing detail that emerged. After carrying out the heinous crime, Masum displayed a chilling lack of remorse as he smiled while boarding a bus to flee the scene. Wood described Masum as the “smiling killer,” emphasising the cold-hearted nature of the act and the lack of empathy shown by the perpetrator. The West Yorkshire Police later apprehended Masum three days after the incident, 175 miles away from the crime scene.
Stacey Atkinson, a senior detective from West Yorkshire Police, expressed the shocking nature of Masum’s actions, stating that he walked away calmly after committing the murder, displaying a complete disregard for the life he had taken. Akter tragically succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital, leaving her family devastated by the loss. The conviction of Masum brought a glimmer of hope for justice for Akter’s loved ones, providing some closure in the wake of this horrific tragedy.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the grave reality of domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can have on families and individuals. It underscores the urgent need for awareness and resources to combat such acts of violence and protect vulnerable individuals at risk. The chilling details of this case shed light on the importance of early intervention and support for those facing threats of harm in their domestic relationships.
As the community grapples with this disturbing incident, it is crucial to raise awareness about resources available for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Organisations such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline offer vital support and assistance to those in need of help and guidance. By promoting awareness and fostering a culture of solidarity and support, we can strive to prevent such tragedies from recurring and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in our society.