Horrific allegations have been brought against a Florida teacher from girls entrusted to his care. The educator allegedly abused one of the children so badly that she required surgical repair. Then, he seemingly vanished into thin air.
Tariq Ahmad (also spelled Ahmed) was the head teacher at Nur-Ul-Islam Academy, an Islamic school in Florida for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with about 335 children enrolled. Ahmad lost his position after accusations arose that he had sexually abused and raped two middle school students. Disturbingly, Ahmad also worked previously for the Broward County Public School District.
The 35-year-old was charged with five first-degree counts after one of the girls was left so injured that she required “substantial surgical repair” for the damage done to her genital area, as alleged in a lawsuit. But before he could be arrested, Ahmad vanished, leaving authorities in pursuit.
“The girls were aged 14 and 15 when Ahmad allegedly forced them into sexual relationships,” according to a lawsuit. Their attorneys stated that Ahmad used text messages, social media, and even coded messages on classroom chalkboards to arrange meetings with the girls,” as reported by the Daily Mail.
The lawsuit also claims that one of the victims was a student at the school and was abused by Ahmad “on school grounds, during school hours,” with the initial assault occurring in the school’s mosque. According to Broward Palm Beach New Times, there was awareness among academy officials about Ahmad’s misconduct for years, but they allegedly did nothing until the recent revelations.
Following the allegations, Ahmad went on the run. After two girls filed a civil lawsuit claiming sexual abuse by Ahmad, a third victim came forward. Although the school has denied knowing about the incidents beforehand, they did eventually end Ahmad’s employment.
“Recently, we became aware of disturbing allegations regarding a former teacher of Nur-ul-Islam Academy,” the school stated. “Upon learning of these allegations, the Academy immediately suspended the teacher’s employment, barred him from any further contact with students, and ultimately terminated his employment.”
With Ahmad missing, the victims’ attorneys have taken the lead on speaking out. “There was significant sexual abuse, intercourse, and other inappropriate behavior such that one of the students needed substantial surgical repair,” said attorney Scott Mager. “It’s horrific.”
The victims’ attorneys claim that Academy officials were aware of Ahmad’s actions for years but failed to act, accusing the child of fabricating the story. “They did nothing but accuse the child of causing it, cover it up, and not inform the parents,” Mager alleged.
Surprisingly, some parents at the school do not appear upset, even though the institution knowingly harbored an alleged child predator, according to the lawsuit.
“The school and its president, Kem Hussain, should be held accountable for harboring and retaining a sexual predator as their head of high school and teacher,” the suit claims, describing Ahmad as a man who “sexually abused multiple children at the academy,” reported the Broward Palm Beach New Times.
Whether or not others at the school knew about the crimes, someone was aware of Ahmad’s whereabouts when he vanished following the allegations. His sudden disappearance, rather than facing the charges, raises further suspicions.
During the little girl’s surgical repair, sufficient evidence would likely have been collected to identify her attacker. If Tariq Ahmad is innocent, there should be no reason to hide. However, if guilty, his quick escape suggests an avoidance of the consequences of his actions.
