- Sunday, April 28, 2024
Police said the cyclist victim was involved in a collision with a vehicle in Reading on February 14, and one of its occupants assaulted him
By: Shajil Kumar
Eight people have been arrested in connection with the murder of an Asian-origin restaurant manager while he was cycling home after work in Reading on February 14.
The victim, identified as Vignesh Pattabhiraman (36), was employed at an Indian restaurant Vel in Reading.
He was involved in a collision late at night with a vehicle at the Cadugan Place junction and was declared dead after being brought to the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Thames Valley police’s major crime unit has launched a murder investigation.
A police spokesperson said Vignesh was also assaulted by an occupant of the vehicle, and they sped away.
A 24-year-old man from Reading was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday, and seven men between the ages of 20 and 48 all from the same city, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. A BBC report has identified the murder suspect as Shazeb Khalid.
Vignesh had moved to Britain a year ago from Doha and lived in Reading along with his wife Ramya. He hailed from Coimbatore in India’s Tamil Nadu state.
The day he got killed was his last day at the Indian restaurant as he had got an offer from Hyatt Regency in London, Times of India reports.
Senior investigating officer Stuart Brangwin of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit has appealed to people to get in touch with the police if they have any information regarding this case.
The Major Crime Unit officers have said the police presence in the area has been increased to address public concerns.
Vignesh’s friends have set up a JustGiving page to help raise funds for the grieving family and it has so far raised over £36,000.
The page stated that the contributions would be used to cover funeral and repatriation expenses and to financially support Ramya. (Agencies)
