Who Is Bhim Sen Kohli? Gentle 80-Year-Old Kicked To Death By 12- and 14-Year-Olds In London; One Boy Charged For Murder

09/05/2024 08:22 PM

Tragedy struck the quiet community of Braunstone Town, Leicester, when 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli was viciously attacked while walking his dog. The incident occurred in Franklin Park, just meters from Mr. Kohli's home, around 6:30 pm on a Sunday.

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder following the brutal assault, while four other children involved have been released without charge.

Bhim Sen Kohli, a gentle and well-loved member of his community, was subjected to a severe assault by a group of youths while he was out with his dog, Rocky. The incident occurred in a public park where Mr Kohli frequently walked, near his home in Braunstone Town.

After the attack, Mr Kohli was rushed to the hospital, but despite efforts to save his life, he succumbed to his injuries. According to Leicestershire Police, who is leading the investigation, a post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Kohli died from a neck injury, with further tests still pending.

A Community In Mourning

The shocking nature of the attack has left the local community devastated. Bhim Sen Kohli's wife, Satinder, 73, was seen laying flowers at a memorial near the spot where her husband was attacked. During the incident, she was accompanied by family and friends, and Rocky, the dog, was with Mr. Kohli.

In a statement released by Leicestershire Police, the Kohli family expressed their heartbreak and described Bhim Sen as a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. "He adored his grandkids with all his heart and loved spending time with them. He was such a loving, caring person whose life was centred around his family. Even at 80, he remained active, tending daily to his allotment and taking joy in walking Rocky in the park," the statement read.

Following the incident, five children, including a 14-year-old boy and a girl of the same age, along with two boys and a girl aged 12, were initially detained for questioning. However, the police later confirmed that all except the 14-year-old boy had been released without charges. The boy who remains in custody has been formally charged with murder. The police have not disclosed further details about the circumstances of the attack, and the investigation is ongoing.

The tragic death of Mr Kohli has also prompted the Leicestershire Police to report itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior interactions they had with the victim. However, the nature of this initial contact remains undisclosed.

Reactions From The Community

The attack has triggered an outpouring of grief and anger in the local community. Neighbours and residents have expressed their shock over the senseless violence that ended Mr Kohli's life. Several residents mentioned that they had noticed troubling behaviour from groups of young people in the area in recent months, including reports of verbal abuse directed at Asian residents and youths engaging in disruptive activities, such as throwing rocks and climbing onto rooftops.

One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, "Over the last few months, we've seen groups of youngsters shouting and harassing Asian people. The police have been called, but we never expected this to happen." Another neighbour, Frank Owen, mentioned that they had observed a group of kids causing disturbances late at night, which had become a regular occurrence in the normally peaceful neighbourhood.

David Donahue, a retired aircraft engineer visiting his sister-in-law in the area, recalled witnessing a group of youngsters kicking a can down the street earlier in the day of the attack. He expressed concern for his sister-in-law, who now feels unsafe walking in the park due to the incident.

A Life Remembered

Bhim Sen Kohli, affectionately known as the joker of his family, was a man who loved to laugh and bring joy to those around him. According to his family, he had lived in Braunstone Town for over 40 years and was well-known and respected by the local community. His family has been deeply touched by the messages of support and condolences from friends, neighbours, and strangers alike.

One of Mr Kohli's neighbours, Harjinder Kalia, remembered him fondly, saying, "He was always joking, not just with us but with everyone. There is no reason why anyone would do this to him. He was a kind person who always had a smile for everyone."