Raheem Hanif: Face of 18-year-old who stabbed Tilehurst man revealed

Today, the Chronicle can finally reveal the identity of the Reading man who fatally stabbed 26-year-old Raheem just metres from his home on Dulnan Close on February 6, 2021.

That man’s name is Kamran Chowdary, of Carey Street, Reading.

Kamran Chowdhary

He was just 16-years-old at the time of the tragic incident in Tilehurst.

For the past year, the press has not been allowed to publish any details that might identify Chowdhary.

This is because he was under 18-years-old. Section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 forbids the publication of details that could identify juvenile defendants before they have reached adulthood.

READ MORE: Raheem Hanif murderers 'showed no remorse'

But now Chowdhary has turned 18, the reporting restrictions have automatically expired and the Chronicle can reveal the killer’s identity.

He is one of four Reading men who are set to be sentenced in connection with the murder of Raheem Hanif on Wednesday, March 23.

This comes after a jury found Chowdhary and Abas Khan, 24, guilty of Hanif’s murder on January 14.

Two assailants, Humzah Sikander, 18, and another 17-year-old boy were found guilty of the manslaughter of Raheem Hanif.

Humzah Sikander

Khan, Chowdhary and the 17-year-old were found guilty of one count of grievous bodily harm, too. Sikander had already pleaded guilty to one count of GBH.

When the trial first began in November, Reading Crown Court heard how a feud emerged between Raheem Hanif and Abas Khan after the latter slept with the former’s partner in August 2020.

The defendants blocked Mr Hanif and his father in the carpark on February 6, 2021, using a range rover, before Mr Hanif was killed and his father's arm broken.

READ MORE: Jury gives verdicts in Raheem Hanif murder trial

Two of the four defendants in the vehicle got out with one (Humzah Sikander) carrying a baseball bat and Chowdhary carrying a machete.

The male with the bat started to hit the van at the front and along the driver's side.

Chowdhary went to Raheem's side, who moved to the centre seat in the van to try to get away.

The man with the bat hit the driver's window and Abdul felt a crack in his arm.

Abas Khan

As the window broke on Abdul's side, he saw the Chowdhary break the window on his son Raheem’s side with the machete.

He claimed he saw the boy do a 'stabbing motion' through the window at his son.

After the defendants fled, Abdul turned around and saw his son had been injured.

He saw blood coming out of the van and realised Raheem had been stabbed.

Neighbours ran to the scene to try to give the 26-year-old CPR but despite the efforts of paramedics, Raheem Hanif passed away that evening.

READ MORE: Family pays tribute to murdered Raheem Hanif

In a tribute to Raheem Hanif following the 26-year-old’s death, his mother said the family’s 'hearts were aching every minute of the day' knowing that their son will never return home.

She added: “Our son had a cheeky, contagious smile and laughter, and with his beautiful soul, he would light up every room.

Raheem Hanif

“He always took care of everyone’s needs without questions, with kindness and dedication.

"He would always put his loved ones first, we are truly proud of him. A big void has been left in our hearts and our homes.

"Our son was a pillar of our community who was always respectful and polite towards others.

"He was growing into a true and respectful gentleman.

"One of our last memories was sitting together, talking about the significance of prostration in Islam. A truly amazing and lasting memory."