An elderly man who suffered a fatal attack in Leicestershire had previously reported experiencing racial abuse in the same area, raising serious questions about police response to anti-social behaviour. Bhim Kohli, aged 80, was brutally assaulted in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, on 1 September 2024, leaving his family and community devastated. Reports indicate that Mr Kohli had warned officers about an earlier incident where he witnessed a 14-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl engaging in racist misconduct. This historical context sharply highlights ongoing issues of racial violence.

Just two weeks before Mr Kohli’s tragic death, he had observed two young boys—aged 12 and 13—racially abusing another Asian man and throwing stones at him. This incident was part of a troubling trend: multiple accounts suggest that the level of racial hostility in the area has escalated over recent months. A neighbouring resident, Linda Haigh, who had known Mr Kohli for over two decades, expressed concern about the growing frequency of such incidents, claiming she had alerted police about escalating racial abuse. “I don’t think it was taken seriously enough,” she stated, suggesting that a more proactive police presence could have deterred violence and perhaps saved Mr Kohli’s life.

The circumstances of Mr Kohli’s death were harrowing. He was reportedly assaulted and left incapacitated after being punched and kicked by a group of young individuals. CCTV footage presented during the trials reveals a shocking narrative, with one suspect, a 15-year-old boy, allegedly proclaiming that the attack allowed him to “let his anger out.” Meanwhile, the 13-year-old girl filmed the incident, reportedly laughing as the violence unfolded, which further escalated the emotional gravity of the situation. The content of the footage and witness testimonies highlight a disturbing indifference to the racially motivated threats made against Mr Kohli.

Despite the police having prior knowledge of anti-social behaviour in Franklin Park, the delayed response to both the earlier incidents reported by Mr Kohli and the attack on him has come under scrutiny. The police have stated that they are engaged in community outreach and ongoing efforts to tackle concerns in the area, with Chief Superintendent Jonathan Starbuck reporting on initiatives such as community surveys and youth engagement programs. However, many local residents feel that these measures come too late for Mr Kohli and others targeted in similar incidents.

As the community reels from the loss of a cherished elder, Mr Kohli’s family has publicly voiced their heartbreak, celebrating his life while simultaneously advocating for greater accountability and awareness of racial violence. They have highlighted not only his role as a loving husband, father, and grandfather but also his dedication to fostering community relationships. This incident has sparked discussions about systemic failures in addressing hate crimes and the importance of taking reports of racial abuse seriously to protect vulnerable community members.

The tragic aftermath of Bhim Kohli’s death stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective community engagement and preventive measures against racial violence. Many hope that this painful saga can prompt necessary changes in policing practices, community relations, and overall attitudes toward such abhorrent behaviours.

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Source: Noah Wire Services