An inquest into the death of an 11-year-old girl has been dramatically adjourned so police can reopen their investigation. Falaq Babar, from Rochdale, died in hospital on March 18 last year, following an incident at her home bathroom on February 20.
Her inquest began at Rochdale Coroners' Court yesterday (November 20), with coroner Joanne Kearsley hearing evidence from members of Falaq's family and North West Ambulance Service. It included evidence from Falaq's half-brother Suhail Mohammed, who told the court he 'barged' open the bathroom door with Falaq inside, before finding her on the floor.
The court also heard a text message exchange between Mr Mohammed and his girlfriend, Sahar Fiaz, in which he claimed he had 'punched' and 'killed' Falaq. As the inquest resumed this morning (Tuesday), Ms Kearsley said Greater Manchester Police had made an application for the inquest to be adjourned after 'new evidence came to light'.
"I'm not in a position to go into the full details," Ms Kearsley said. "It arose from some of the details the court heard yesterday."
GMP requested 'six to eight weeks' to investigate the new evidence, which Ms Kearsley granted. Addressing Falaq's family, Ms Kearsley added: "I know that you have waited a long time for Falaq's inquest and I appreciate it's difficult.
"But I am sure you will appreciate what I am here to do is to get to the truth surrounding your daughter's death, and for you to be able to understand what happened to Falaq. So in light of that I am going to grant this adjournment."
Mr Mohammed told the court yesterday he heard 'bickering' with a younger brother who wanted to get in the bathroom while she was inside on February 20 last year. "I've tried opening the door," he said. "I used quite a bit of force. As I used the force, Falaq was on the other side of the door."
Mr Mohammed suggested the door may have been stuck due to 'dampness'. He described 'barging' it once with his 'shoulder and elbow', before finding Falaq 'on the floor' near the radiator.
The court heard Falaq went 'in and out of consciousness' and started being sick. Mr Mohammed called for an ambulance using his mum's phone, telling the call handler Falaq had 'slipped', but on the same morning text Ms Fiaz to say: "I've killed Falaq... I've punched her in the head."
Mr Mohammed declined to answer questions on the text exchange in court yesterday, with Ms Kearsley warning him his answers could incriminate him. Ms Fiaz had been called up to give evidence today.
After granting the adjournment, Ms Kearsley directed GMP to speak to Ms Fiaz as it continues its investigation into Falaq's death. She requested an update from the force within eight weeks, with a new date for Falaq's inquest to be confirmed 'if it can resume'.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News earlier this year, mum Shazia Bi said: "How lucky we were to have Falaq in our lives for a short time, but she has left us with so many memories and love. We all cherished her, and she will always stay in our hearts and thoughts forever.
"Mum, dad, and brother will never forget you. We as a family cannot come to terms with the loss of such a beautiful soul. We love you, Falaq."
