Afghan, 28, charged with rape of two 14-year-old girls in Bolton

Shocking charges as Afghan man, 28, accused of raping two 14-year-old Bolton girls after grooming them online – remanded ahead of court appearance amid police probe. A 28-year-old Afghan national has been charged with the rape of two 14-year-old girls in Bolton, following an incident reported over the weekend.

Sultani Bakatash, born on 21 March 1997, faces two counts of rape of a girl under 16, one count of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration.

He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on the morning of 9 December 2025.

The arrest occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 7 December 2025, after police received a report of rape at a flat in the Middle Hulton area.

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Investigations allege that Bakatash had prior online contact with the victims before meeting them in person.

Specialist teams are providing support to both girls as officers work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the offences.

Authorities have confirmed they are not seeking any additional suspects in connection with this case.

Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, Bolton district commander, said: “This is a deeply concerning report, and our priority is supporting the two young girls and their families at this traumatic time.

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“We have acted quickly since this was reported to us in the last 48 hours, and we’ve been using all available resources to understand what has happened and help this case progress through court.

“We remain firmly committed to protecting young girls in Bolton and across Greater Manchester and to help people feel safe in their neighbourhood. I ask that the public continue to support us while we do whatever is necessary to support the girls and to get this case solved.

“As criminal proceedings are now active, I urge the public not to speculate so that the legal process can take its proper course and the dignity of the girls is maintained.”