Green celebration councillor is arrested over alleged trendy slavery and assault offences
A Green Party councillor has been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery and assault.
Sohail Asghar, a councillor who represents the Greens on Lancashire county council, was arrested in Accrington on November 6 after slavery and assault allegations.
The taxi driver, 29, has been pictured with party leader Zack Polanski and was elected in May to the Accrington West and Oswaldtwistle Central division.
In a post on X in April, Polanski praised Asghar for his ‘amazing energy’.
He has been suspended by the party following his arrest but remains an independent councillor and part of a Progressive Lancashire Group main opposition against the Reform-led council.
Asghar was arrested on suspicion of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour and common assault.
A 51-year-old woman and a man, 55, both from Accrington, have also been arrested on suspicion of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.
The 55-year-old was also arrested for making threats to kill.
Sohail Asghar, who was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery, was praised for his ‘amazing energy’ by Green Party leader Zak Polanski
The 29-year-old (pictured, right) has also been pictured with Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali
The taxi driver was elected in May to the Accrington West and Oswaldtwistle Central division
All three suspects have been bailed.
A spokeperson for Lancashire Police said: ‘A 29-year-old man from Accrington has been arrested on slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour and common assault.
‘A 51-year-old woman from Accrington has been arrested on slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.
‘And a 55-year-old man from Accrington has been arrested on slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour and making threats to kill.
‘The arrests were made at a property in Accrington on 6th November and all three suspects have been bailed.’
Cllr Gina Dowding, leader of the Green group on Lancashire County Council, told the Lancashire Telegraph: ‘Cllr Asghar has voluntarily given up the Green Party whip because there is an investigation.
‘This will remain the case until the investigation is completed.’
Hyndburn Green Party vice-chair Joan West said: ‘Sohail Asghar has given up the whip at County Hall for personal reasons.’
Councillor Asghar, who is a qualified football referee, has also been pictured with Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali.
Asghar and the Green Party have been contacted for comment.
