Tanveer Iqbal: An affair turned deadly
Killer Britain with Dermot MurnaghanAn affair gone wrong? Or a chilling tale of betrayal and revenge? The tragic murder of businessman Tanveer Iqbal shocked the Birmingham community and the whole of the country in early 2016.
The twisted crime was orchestrated by his mistress, Zatoon Bibi, with the assistance of her ex-husband and their teenage son. It unveiled a harrowing story of obsession and calculated violence. This deadly affair ended in murder.
Join us at Crime+Investigation as we delve into the murder of the Birmingham-based businessman and how his relationship with Bibi turned sinister. The case is also featured on the latest series of Killer Britain with Dermot Murnaghan, which is available now on Crime+Investigation.
Who was Tanveer Iqbal?
33-year-old Tanveer Iqbal was known and well-liked within the Smethwick community. He was known for his passion of music and dedication to his family — he even owned Hi-Tech Music, a music and film wholesaler in the town.
But all was not what it seemed. Tanveer was having a long-standing extramarital affair with 37-year-old Zatoon Bibi, a union that the couple’s spouses and friends acknowledged. Bibi had two children with Tanveer, further entangling their lives.
Members of the court heard the pair had an 'unconventional and complicated relationship' of which their spouses were 'fully aware'.
Despite the unconventional arrangement, Bibi and Tanveer's relationship continued for some time until one day, he wanted to end the affair. This is when things turned sour and started to escalate. According to sources close to the victim, he tried to end things with Bibi to focus on his marriage to his wife, Nasreen.
Bibi's response was manipulative. Her fixation took a dark turn, and she started to send explicit content to Nasreen. Sadly, this was just the beginning.
An affair to forget
On 31st January 2016, Bibi invited Tanveer to her home to celebrate his birthday with cake and their children. Unbeknownst to him, this was a trap. Earlier that day, Nawaz, Bibi’s ex-husband, had purchased a 'murder kit', including rope and duct tape, from a local store.
When Tanveer arrived at the house, he was instantly ambushed and strangled, his body subsequently placed in a cardboard box, sealed with tape, and hidden in the boot of his car.
The following day, Tanveer's vehicle was discovered abandoned on Portland Road in Edgbaston, with his body inside. The gruesome finding prompted a police investigation that quickly focused on Bibi and her family.
The investigation and trial
CCTV footage and mobile phone data placed Bibi and her ex-husband, Gul Nawaz, at the scene, and further evidence revealed their attempts to dispose of the body and fabricate alibis. Bibi's manipulative nature extended to her son, whom she pressured into lying to protect her.
The judge told Ms Bibi: 'You were the one person pushing your own son to commit murder.'
During the trial at Birmingham Crown Court, the jury heard of the suspect’s controlling behaviour and her role as the mastermind behind the murder. Judge Mark Wall described her actions as 'selfish and manipulative', emphasising her recruitment of her ex-husband and son in the crime.
In September 2016, she was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years. Gul Nawaz received a minimum of 25 years, and their son was detained for a minimum of six years.
A community in mourning
The brutal murder of Tanveer Iqbal left a void in the lives of his family and the local community. His wife expressed profound grief, stating that the loss had changed their lives forever.
The case serves as a stark reminder of how obsession and manipulation can lead to devastating consequences.
Tanveer Iqbal’s family said during the trial: 'Tanveer was taken away from us in a way which has had a profound effect and changed our lives forever.
'It is indescribable pain to lose a loved one in such a brutal manner.'
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