A 55-year-old religious leader has been arrested in Queens, New York, on charges of sexually abusing two 10-year-old girls inside a local mosque, according to police officials. The case has sparked widespread concern within the community.
Authorities said the alleged incidents took place on April 21 at Masjid Bilal Queens, located near Sutphin Boulevard and 121st Avenue in Jamaica. The accused, identified as Tajul Islam, is alleged to have engaged in inappropriate touching and sexual misconduct involving the two minors.
Investigators stated that Islam resided at the mosque and served as its religious leader. Following the complaint, he was taken into custody and later arraigned in Queens Criminal Court. The court ordered him held on $25,000 bail. A protective order has also been issued to prevent any contact between the accused and the victims.
Police believe there may be additional victims and have released the suspect’s mugshot in an effort to encourage others to come forward.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the NYPD Sex Crimes Hotline at (212) 267-7273 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.
The Legal Aid Society, which represented the accused at his arraignment, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Attempts to reach Masjid Bilal Queens for a statement were also unsuccessful.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to seek potential additional victims and gather further evidence.
