In a tragic case that has shocked the community, a 15-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl have been found guilty of the manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Kohli, who died after a brutal attack while walking his dog in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, near Leicester. The jury at Leicester Crown Court deliberated for over six hours before returning the verdicts on April 8, 2025, with the boy also acquitted of murder.
On September 1, 2024, Mr. Kohli was out walking his dog, Rocky, when he encountered the two teenagers. Eyewitnesses and video evidence presented in court revealed that the boy, wearing a balaclava, racially abused Mr. Kohli before slapping him in the face with a slider shoe while he was on his knees. The 13-year-old girl filmed the incident, reportedly laughing and encouraging the boy's actions.
Prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu KC described the attack as "gratuitous violence against a man who was defenceless," highlighting the severity of the injuries Mr. Kohli sustained, including a broken neck and rib fractures. He died in hospital the following day.
Mr. Kohli's family expressed their heartbreak following the verdicts, describing him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a cherished member of the community. His daughter, Susan Kohli, expressed their anger and disgust towards the teenagers, stating, "They humiliated him, an 80-year-old man, assaulted him, filmed it and laughed at him. Dad did not deserve this and wouldn’t wish this on anyone else."
The trial revealed disturbing details about the events leading up to Mr. Kohli's death. The court heard that the boy had told friends he would go "on the run" after the attack but was arrested shortly after, hiding in a bush. In a letter written two months later, he expressed remorse, saying, "I did it and I accept I’m doing time" and that he "kinda just needed anger etc releasing."
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski of Leicestershire Police commented on the case, calling it "truly tragic and heartbreaking," and emphasized the lasting impact on the community. He noted that Mr. Kohli was a beloved grandfather who enjoyed simple pleasures like spending time with his family and tending to his allotment.
The case has raised significant concerns about youth violence and the motivations behind such acts, particularly with the added element of racial abuse. The jury was informed that the boy had allegedly claimed Mr. Kohli had threatened the girl with a knife, a statement that was not substantiated by evidence, as no weapon was found.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, the court proceedings continue, with sentencing for the teenagers scheduled for May 19 and 20, 2025. The family of Mr. Kohli hopes that justice will be served and that this tragic event will serve as a wake-up call to address the issues of youth violence and racial abuse in society.
Mr. Kohli's family, who have lived in Braunstone for over 40 years, are left with a profound sense of loss. Susan Kohli expressed the void left by her father's passing, stating, "Our home feels so empty without him and will never be the same. Every time my mum opens the front door she thinks about what happened to her husband."
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of violence, particularly against the most vulnerable in society. As the trial continues, the Kohli family seeks to honor Bhim's memory and advocate for a safer community.
