Tahir Rashid, 54, now faces 21 child sex charges as police uncover years of alleged abuse in Rochdale

A man at the centre of an ongoing child sexual exploitation investigation in Rochdale is facing a new wave of charges, reigniting a scandal that has long haunted the town.

Tahir Rashid, 54, of Hudsons Walk, now stands accused of 21 serious offences after Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Lytton unearthed further evidence of historic abuse. Rashid was already awaiting trial in September on 13 charges, including rape and sexual activity with a child under 16.

But new allegations have intensified scrutiny. On Thursday, authorities confirmed that Rashid has been charged with eight additional offences — among them, further counts of rape and indecent assault against a girl under the age of 16.

The offences are alleged to have occurred years ago, as part of what police are calling a “non-recent child sexual exploitation” case. The revelations have sent shockwaves through the local community, already scarred by previous grooming scandals that rocked Rochdale more than a decade ago.

“This is devastating,” said one parent outside a local primary school. “You hear these things in the news and just pray it’s not happening near your own kids. But here we are again.”

Police have appealed for further information, urging anyone with knowledge of potential abuse to come forward. Officers say more victims may yet be identified as investigations widen.

Rashid is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on July 23rd, where the expanded case will be outlined. If convicted, he faces a lengthy prison sentence — but for many in Rochdale, legal accountability is only part of the healing process.

The town has not fully recovered from the grooming gang scandals that previously saw several men jailed for the exploitation of vulnerable girls. At the time, public agencies were criticised for failing to act on clear signs of abuse. This latest case, many fear, could expose similar systemic failings.

“This is triggering memories of past mistakes,” said a local youth worker. “We need to ask hard questions: Were there missed opportunities to stop this earlier? Who knew what — and when?”

Operation Lytton, the task force behind the investigation, has been working quietly over the past year, combing through witness statements and digital records. Detectives say their inquiry remains ongoing and have reiterated their commitment to holding all perpetrators accountable, no matter how much time has passed.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Jones, who is leading the operation, issued a statement: “This case is a priority. We understand the impact these crimes have on victims, families, and communities. Our team is working around the clock to ensure that justice is done.”

The case has also prompted renewed calls for greater oversight and preventative action to safeguard children in Greater Manchester. Campaigners are demanding more resources for youth services, better community engagement, and stronger safeguarding protocols.

“The system failed before — it cannot fail again,” said one campaigner from a Rochdale-based charity for survivors of sexual abuse.

As Rashid’s case moves through the courts, the public’s attention turns to what might still be hidden. Are there more victims? More abusers? And will institutions finally prioritise child protection over reputation?

For now, Rochdale is left grappling with a painful truth: the shadow of exploitation still looms — and justice, while moving forward, remains far from complete.