“We as a family are deeply shocked and devastated"
The body of Bradford bus driver Asghar Badshah was discovered dead inside a disused bank building.
The 39-year-old man was reported missing on December 4, 2019. His body was found by police on December 29 inside the Yorkshire Bank building in Batley.
National media had reported that Mr Badshah’s body was found in the wall cavity. However, West Yorkshire Police declined to comment on the reports.
Two men, aged 27 and 30, and a 41-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
Both men were later released under investigation. The woman is on bail pending further enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Heather Whoriskey, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, stated:
“Enquiries are continuing into the death of Mr Badshah, who was reported missing on 4 December.
“We believe he was last seen in the early hours of November 30 and I would appeal to anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity in Commercial Street around that time or since to contact my team, so we can establish if this is linked to our investigation.”
A post-mortem was carried out but a police spokesperson said: “There is no further update to give on the investigation at this time.”
Mr Badshah had been a bus driver for First. Operations Manager Paul Atkinson said:
“Everyone at First in Halifax is deeply shocked and saddened at the death of Asghar. Our sympathies and condolences go to his family and friends at this terrible time.
“He only joined us as a driver in February last year and was a well-liked and popular colleague among the whole team.”
The victim’s family paid tribute and have urged the public to report any information to the police.
In a statement, Mr Badshah’s family said:
“We as a family are deeply shocked and devastated by the loss of our dear brother Asghar Badshah. His beautiful smile and charisma, as well as his generosity, will never be forgotten.
“We as a family please ask for privacy during our time of grief as our elderly mother is deeply upset at this time.
“We pray for justice for Asghar and appeal to the public for any assistance they can provide to the police in this investigation.”
Many people took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Badshah, who was also known as Oscar.
Marie Lancaster wrote:
“Omg I can’t believe this he was a lovely guy met him on a few occasions RIP.”
Harjot Singh posted: “He was a top lad. Rip Oscar.”
Commercial Street and Wellington Street were sealed off when forensic officers arrived on December 29. Roads in the area were also closed.
Numerous police and forensic vans were seen parked on the main road. Around four forensic officers were seen entering and leaving the bank building throughout the day.
Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin said:
“This was a serious and worrying incident and I can’t imagine what it must be like for the friends and family of the victim.
“Let’s hope the perpetrators are quickly brought to justice.
“Serious crime like this is a blight on our community and I will continue to raise my concerns with senior government ministers to support our police to give them the funding they need.
“I’d also like to thank the local traders who – faced with temporary closure due to the police cordon – showed understanding and patience in an extremely difficult situation.”
The Telegraph and Argus reported that the investigation into the bus driver’s murder is ongoing.
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