Police Warned About Racist Attacks Before Fatal Incident in Leicestershire
Key Details of the Tragic Case
- Victim: Bhim Kohli, an 80-year-old man, died after a racially motivated attack in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town
- Attackers: A 14-year-old boy (now 15) and 12-year-old girl (now 13) convicted of manslaughter
- Sentencing: Due to occur on Thursday
Prior Warnings to Police
The BBC has uncovered that Mr. Kohli had reported a similar racist attack to Leicestershire Police just weeks before his own fatal encounter:
- August Incident: Mr. Kohli witnessed two white boys (12 and 13) racially abusing another Asian man near the same park
- Violent Behavior: Attackers threw large rocks and used racist slurs including “go back to your village”
- Police Response: Officers didn’t arrest the suspects until three days after Mr. Kohli’s death
Eyewitness Accounts
Anonymous Victim (40s):
“It was a throwback to the 80s when racial abuse was commonplace. I was shocked this behavior still exists.”
Linda Haigh (Neighbor):
“I warned police about racial tensions in the area. Had they acted, Mr. Kohli might still be alive.”
Systemic Failures Identified
- Leicestershire Police acknowledged “organisational learning” needed for better anti-social behavior logging
- Independent review found no police misconduct that could have prevented the death
- Community reports of prior incidents involving Mr. Kohli:
- July: Children threw stones, spat at him, and used racial slurs
- Weeks before death: Girl convicted in his killing filmed others throwing apples at him
Community Impact
The attacks have created lasting fear among local residents:
- Elderly parents and children now feel unsafe in the area
- Victims describe increasing violence in racial attacks
- Two boys involved in August assault received deferred youth cautions
Police Response
Ch Supt Jonathan Starbuck:
“We continue monitoring Franklin Park through community surveys, school engagement, and increased patrols.”
Bhim Kohli, victim of the fatal racist attack
Franklin Park where both attacks occurred
Ongoing Concerns
Residents report:
- Lack of adequate police presence before the fatal incident
- Escalating violence in racial attacks
- Systemic underreporting of hate crimes in the area
This tragic case highlights critical gaps in addressing racial violence and protecting vulnerable community members.
