UK cops probe murder of Indian restaurant manager killed while cycling home

London: A 36-year-old Indian restaurant manager was killed in a road collision while cycling back to his home in the UK leading to a murder investigation by the British police, who have made eight arrests in the case this week.

Vignesh Pattabhiraman was cycling back from his workplace at Indian restaurant Vel in Reading, south-east England, on February 14 when his cycle collided with a vehicle at the Cadugan Place junction in the city. Thames Valley Police said he was declared dead after being rushed to the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Shazeb Khalid, aged 24, arrested on suspicion of the murder has since been charged and appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Seven men, aged 20, 21, 24, 27, 31, 41 and 48, all from the same city arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have all been released on bail.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Raman, who are being supported by specially trained officers,” said Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit.

“We are continuing our investigation into the circumstances of his death, and arrests have now been made. I would like to take this opportunity to again appeal to anybody who has any information to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police,” he said.

The Major Crime Unit officers have said there will continue to be a visible police presence in the area while their investigation continues to address any public concerns on site.

Meanwhile, a Just Giving charity initiative set up by Pattabhiraman’s friends and family to help with repatriation costs and support for his grieving wife Ramya after the “senseless tragedy” has raised over GBP 39,000 within days.

“Vignesh was a committed restaurant manager at Vel, where he poured his heart and soul into his work, earning recognition for his exceptionally warm nature, customer service and work ethic. His dream of reaching a senior management position in the hotel industry was within reach, with an exciting opportunity awaiting him at Hyatt Regency Mayfair London,” reads the page.

“We are rallying together to support Vignesh’s grieving family during this unimaginably difficult time. Your generous contributions will provide much-needed financial assistance to help cover repatriation costs and funeral expenses, support his grieving wife, Ramya, and ease the burden on his family as they navigate this profound loss,” the page further read.