Janbaz Tarin

The murder of Raneem Oudeh and her mother, Khaola Saleem, is a landmark case in the UK regarding the police's duty to protect victims of domestic abuse. The events highlight a systemic failure to intervene despite multiple cries for help.

The Background

Raneem Oudeh (22) had been married to Janbaz Tarin (21). After discovering Tarin had a secret family in Pakistan, she ended the relationship. Tarin responded with a campaign of stalking, harassment, and violence.

• 2017 – 2018: Raneem made numerous reports to West Midlands Police. She obtained a non-molestation order against Tarin, but he repeatedly breached it. Officers visited her home multiple times, but Tarin was never arrested or properly deterred.

The Night of the Murder

The events of 27th August 2018 (Bank Holiday Monday) were captured in a series of increasingly desperate 999 calls.

• 22:30: Raneem and her mother, Khaola, encounter Tarin at a shisha lounge in Solihull. Tarin slaps Raneem and threatens her. Raneem calls 999.

• 23:00 – 00:00: Raneem calls 999 three more times. She informs the police that Tarin has followed them, is armed with a knife, and has threatened to kill them.

• 00:15: During the final 999 call, screams are heard as Tarin attacks both women outside Khaola’s home in Northdown Road, Solihull.

• 00:30: Emergency services arrive to find Raneem and Khaola with catastrophic stab wounds. Despite the efforts of paramedics, both women are pronounced dead at the scene.

The Manhunt and Conviction

• 28th August 2018 – 30th August 2018: Tarin fled the scene, sparking a three-day national manhunt. He attempted to disguise his appearance by shaving his beard.

• 31st August 2018: Tarin was arrested in the Sparkhill area of Birmingham after a member of the public spotted him.

• 17th December 2018: At Birmingham Crown Court, Janbaz Tarin pleaded guilty to both murders.

• 17th December 2018: Tarin was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 32 years.

The Inquest and Police Failings

The case gained national attention due to the missed opportunities by authorities.

• November 2022: An inquest jury concluded that the "material failures" of West Midlands Police had "contributed" to the deaths of Raneem and Khaola.

• The Findings: It was revealed that on the night of the murders, police had graded the incident as "delayed response" rather than "emergency," despite Raneem stating Tarin had a knife. The jury noted that the police failed to follow their own domestic abuse policies.

• Outcome: The case led to a major review of how West Midlands Police handles domestic violence and stalking, including the implementation of "Raneem’s Law," aimed at strengthening the police response to domestic abuse.

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