The family of an 80-year-old grandfather killed in a park have remembered him as the “joker of the family”, as four of five children arrested on suspicion of his murder were released without further action.
Father-of-three Bhim Kohli died in hospital after being attacked by a group of young people while he walked his dog in Franklin Park, near his home, around 6.30pm on Sunday in Braunstone Town, Leicestershire Police said.
Officers arrested five people – a boy and a girl aged 14 and one boy and two girls aged 12 – on suspicion of murder but later confirmed on Tuesday that four had been released with no further action.
Leicestershire Police said a 14-year-old boy remains in custody.
Mr Kohli was taken to hospital but died on Monday evening, police said. A post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of a neck injury, pending further tests.
A statement from his family released through Leicestershire Police said: "Bhim was a loving husband, dad and grandad. He was also a son, brother and uncle. He adored his grandkids with all his heart and loved spending time with them. He really was such a loving, caring person whose life was centred around his family.
"He has always been a very hardworking man and even at the age of 80 he was still very active. One of his great passions was his allotment, he would go every day to tend to his plots and was so proud of them. He also enjoyed walking the family dog Rocky on the park many times a day.
"Bhim loved to laugh. He was always very happy and talkative, the joker of the family and always loved to outsmart us with a smile. Our family have lived in the same house in Braunstone for 40 years, so he was very well known in the community - we have been overwhelmed by the messages and support from many who knew him.
"Our hearts have been completely broken. We are now pulling together as a family to try and support each other through the most difficult time imaginable and would ask for privacy while we do this."
In July an incident was reported to police after Mr Kohli was allegedly verbally abused by a group of young people near his home, the Guardian reports.
Police have said they are keeping an open mind about the motive and circumstances of the alleged attack, the newspaper added.
Mr Kohli reportedly loved his dog Rocky and spent a lot of time gardening at his allotment. He had lived in the area for 40 years, according to his daughter.
Another allotment holder told the Mirror: “He was such a lovely man. Quite often you would see him with his grandchildren at the allotment and his wife would go down and help him.”
The group of young people fled the scene before officers arrived, the force said.
His daughter, who has not been named, told Leicester Mercury that her father had been “kicked in the neck, kicked in the spine” in an attack “30 seconds” from his home.
Kohli’s neighbour Deep Kalia told the Mirror: “His family are devastated. He was a skinny, fit man who was always at the allotment across the road from his house. He has two boys and a daughter, all grown up, and two grandsons.
“He had a factory in Leicester making jumpers and cardigans but retired many years ago. It’s tragic what happened.”
The attack happened close to the park entrance in Bramble Way. The man was wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms at the time.
Detectives are continuing their investigation.
As part of enquiries, they want to speak to anyone who was in the park or in the area of Bramble Way between 6pm and 6.45pm on Sunday evening.
Detective Inspector Emma Matts, senior investigating officer, said: “The circumstances surrounding Mr Kohli’s death are extremely tragic and upsetting not only for his family and friends but also the wider community.
“We continue to offer support to the family through our family liaison officers and the local policing teams are in the area to provide reassurance and discuss any issues or concerns.
“The family are aware of the significant public and interest in the death of their loved one and would like to thank people for their kind words and sympathy. At this stage the family are asking for privacy at this extremely difficult time.
“Our investigation into the assault on Mr Kohli remains ongoing. We continue to keep an open mind around the circumstances surrounding the incident as we work to establish what occurred in the park on Sunday evening.
“I would continue to urge anyone who can assist our investigation to come forward.”
The scene preservation in the park has now been lifted.
Due to prior police contact with the victim, the force said it made a voluntary referral to the police watchdog, the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).
Following further contact with the IOPC, the force has now made a mandatory referral.
