Police arrest 14-year-old boy in connection with murder of Indian-origin grandfather in UK

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murdering an80-year-old Indian-originman named Bhim Kohli.Hediedafter being allegedly attacked while walking his dog in a park in Leicestershire.

The elderly was found dead in a park just 20 metres from his home in Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, at about 6:30 pm (local time) on Sunday.

A post-mortem examination confirmed Kohli died as a result of a neck injury, said police.

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As per The Guardian, in July an incident was reported to police after Kohli was allegedly verbally abused by a group of youthnear his home.

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After inquiries in thecase, police arrested five youngsters- a boy and two girls, all 12 years old; and a boy and girl, both 14. Police later said the 14-year-old boy remained in custody but the other four had been released with no further action.

The scene of the attack has been cordoned off by police tape, which is also very close to the Kohli family’s front door.

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Friends and neighbours of Kohli describe him as a gentle family man and is regularly seen walking his dog, Rocky.

A neighbour, Harjinder Kaila, 53, said, “He was a really good man, nice to everyone. He had a sense of humour, always joking. I’ll really miss him.”

“We continue to offer support to the family through our family liaison officers, and the local policing teams are in the area to provide reassurance and discuss any issues or concerns,” she said further.

Is the murder a racist attack?

Det Insp Emma Matts said the circumstances surrounding Mr Kohli's death were "extremely tragic and upsetting", not only for his family and friends but also for the wider community.”

Leicestershire police said it had voluntarily referred itself to the police watchdog, the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), about the previous incident involving Kohli which was reported to them in July. During that incident, it is alleged some of the comments made by the young people were racist.

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Asked if detectives were considering a racial motive as part of their murder investigation, a police spokesperson said, “We will be keeping an open mind, but establishing any motive for the assault will form part of inquiries. We are continuing to establish the full circumstances and cannot comment further at this time.”

Police have said they are speaking to local people as part of their investigation and want to speak to anyone who was in the park or in the area of Bramble Way between 6:00 pm and 6:45 pm (local time) on Sunday evening.

(With inputs from agencies)