Makhan Singh Mauji

Makhan Singh Mauji, aged 71 from North Priors Court in Northampton, has been sentenced to over 24 years in prison for a series of non-recent sexual offences committed against three young victims in Hitchin during the 1980s. The assaults, which took place between July 1983 and August 1987, involved Mauji exploiting his role as a Granthi—a Sikh religious leader—at a local Gurdwara, as well as invading the privacy of the victims' homes.

The case came to light following a joint investigation by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) Major Crime Unit and the Hertfordshire Non-Recent Child Abuse Investigation Team. Mauji initially stood trial at Cambridge Crown Court but entered guilty pleas on November 14, 2024, just four days into the proceedings. He was convicted on eleven counts of indecent assault, one count of attempted rape, and two counts of indecency with a child. One additional charge of indecent assault was ordered to lie on file.

The victims, who were aged between eight and 14 at the time of the offences, suffered profound emotional trauma due to Mauji's predatory actions. During the sentencing on Friday, December 20, 2024, Judge Hurst remarked on the severity of the betrayal: 'Mauji occupied a privileged position and was welcomed into the homes of the community, but instead of having the welfare of his community at heart, Mauji saw this position through sexually predatory eyes and saw the young girls as targets for his sexual appetite.' The judge emphasised the significant breach of trust and the deep emotional scars inflicted, ensuring the sentence reflected the gravity of the crimes.

In addition to the custodial sentence of 24 years and two months, Mauji was made subject to licence provisions upon release. He was also issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and placed on the Sexual Offenders’ Register for life. Detective Constable Elizabeth McGrath from the non-recent child abuse investigation team praised the victims' bravery: 'Firstly I just want to commend the victims for their incredible bravery to come forward and speak of their experiences of Mauji’s offending, without them Mauji would never have answered for his crimes.' A representative from the local Sikh community in Hitchin echoed this sentiment, condemning Mauji's actions as those of an 'opportunistic predator' who abused his position of trust some 40 years ago.

The investigation highlights the ongoing commitment of Hertfordshire Constabulary to addressing historical child sexual abuse cases, with the offences occurring at various locations in Hitchin, including the Gurdwara where Mauji held his influential role.