Keighley Murder Investigation: Five Defendants Enter Not Guilty Pleas Ahead of January 2027 Trial

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by DD Report-
March 21, 2026 12:51 PM
Five Defendants Enter Not Guilty Pleas Ahead of January 2027 Trial

West Yorkshire Police confirm no new charges as digital evidence review continues; two suspects remain under investigation. The investigation into the death of 35-year-old Suhail Choudry has transitioned into a forensic review phase following a pivotal hearing at Bradford Crown Court. As of Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2026, the West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) has confirmed that no new murder charges have been filed against two suspects who remain under active investigation.

Five Defendants Enter Not Guilty Pleas

During a hearing on March 19 before the Honorary Recorder of Bradford, Judge Jonathan Rose, five men formally entered not guilty pleas to charges including murder, violent disorder, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

The defendants, all from Keighley, include Rashid Hussain (41) of Redcliffe Street and Majid Hussain (42) of Devonshire Street. They appeared alongside co-defendants Mohammed Aliyan Khan (23) and Faisal Khan (26), both of Malsis Road, and Hakeem Gulzar (27) of Plover Street. All five men remain in custody. The court has scheduled a full trial to begin on January 25, 2027, at Bradford Crown Court, with a further pre-trial hearing expected in the summer.

Two Suspects Remain Under Review

A 42-year-old man arrested on March 2 on suspicion of murder remains in what investigators term the "investigative review" category. No formal indictment has been recorded for this individual in public court listings as of March 21. Similarly, a 37-year-old individual arrested last week on suspicion of murder has not been named in public filings. West Yorkshire Police have not yet confirmed if this person has been bailed or released, noting that the status of these individuals remains under continuous evaluation by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Digital Evidence Consolidation

Detectives are currently prioritizing the completion of a "Digital Evidence Package." This complex forensic file involves finalizing cell-site analysis and GPS data which investigators say links specific movements to areas near Malsis Road on the night of the attack. This technical work aligns with the disclosure timeline set by the court to ensure all parties are prepared for the 2027 trial.

Status of Peripheral Suspects

The status of individuals arrested in connection with the broader investigation, but not charged with murder, remains unchanged. A 27-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman, both arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, continue to be on conditional bail. Police maintain an active appeal for information and continue to monitor the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) for dashcam or doorbell footage from the Spencer Street and Victoria Road areas.

Case Background and Family Tribute

Suhail Choudry, a 35-year-old father of two, died in hospital on February 11, three days after he was found with serious head injuries following a targeted attack on Flasby Street, Keighley. Initial inquiries suggest Mr. Choudry was chased and assaulted by a group armed with bats and sticks. 
Read more: Five Charged as Keighley Murder Case Moves to Sheffield Crown Court 
Read more: 
Keighley Murder: HMET Maps 'Revenge Chain' as Major Court Deadline Looms

In a tribute released through West Yorkshire Police, his wife, Zara Choudry—who is currently pregnant with their third child—described him as "a father before anything," stating that it was "his proudest title and he was their world." Family members continue to be supported by specialized Family Liaison Officers.

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Five Defendants Enter Not Guilty Pleas Ahead of January 2027 Trial