Sultani Bakatash: Afghan national, 28, charged with raping two 14-year-old girls in flat in Bolton, Greater Manchester
Afghan national Sultani Bakatash has been charged with raping two 14-year-old girls in a flat in Bolton at the weekend, Greater Manchester Police said.
The 28-year-old was arrested in the early hours of Sunday following a report of rape at a flat in Middle Hulton area of the town. Bakatash will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court this morning.
Both victims are being supported by specialist teams, the force added. Officers arrested Sultani Bakatash in connection with the alleged incident. He has been charged with two counts of rape of a girl aged under 16, one count of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration.
Bakatash (born March 21, 1997) has been remanded into custody. 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.
"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."
Anyone with information about the alleged incident is asked to contact police directly online or by calling 101, quoting incident number 3573 of December 6, 2025. Details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.