The family of a Leeds student say he tragically took his own life after experiencing "bullying and institutional racism" while on placement with West Yorkshire Police.
Leeds Trinity student Anugrah Abraham, 21, went missing on March 3 after having breakfast with his parents. He was found dead by a dog walker near woodland in Manchester, where he lived, the next day.
His family claim the treatment he received while on placement with West Yorkshire Police as part of his degree led to "severe stress and anxiety". In a statement they said: "Our family want to make clear that we feel that the harm Anu experienced at the hands of the police, killed him."
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Anugrah, known by his family as Anu, was posted at Halifax Police Station from October 2022, and his family said he was initially excited. They said within weeks of starting Anu was coming home having had negative experiences.
Anu's family claim in one incident he was instructed to carry out a search of a dead body alone, which made him vomit, and was given no support of debrief. They added that Anu said he had been sent out on several incidents alone, which he didn't feel prepared for, and ended up breaking down in front of a Sergeant.
Anu's family have asked the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to investigate Anu's treatment, supported by Kids of Colour and the Northern Police Monitoring Project. They have been told a local investigation by the West Yorkshire Police professional standards department will be conducted.
He continued to experience bullying and feel a lack of support when he told sergeants he was struggling, Anu's family continued. They said he shared that he was experiencing suicidal thoughts.
"We are no longer prepared to continue to allow our children to be at the mercy of an institution that does not value their lives," the family said. "We will not grieve silently and allow those that caused Anu to take such a devastating action to walk away without being held accountable."
Anu was last seen around 3.30pm on March 3 by one of his best friends. He sent a text to a group chat with his friends at 5.30pm that day.
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A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "West Yorkshire Police was saddened to learn of the death of our colleague PC Anugrah Abraham and our thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and friends.
"West Yorkshire Police takes allegations of bullying and discrimination within the workforce very seriously and is committed to investigating such reports. The Force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who deemed it appropriate that a local investigation is undertaken.
"This is currently being conducted by the Professional Standards Directorate. We are unable to issue any further comment pending the completion of the investigation."
A spokesperson for the IOPC said: "Our thoughts are with Anugrah’s family and all those affected by his death.
"Following a referral from West Yorkshire Police of a complaint containing allegations of bullying, we directed the force to carry out an investigation. The complainant will have the right to have the force’s handling of the matter reviewed by the IOPC upon conclusion of the investigation, ensuring an appropriate level of independent oversight should it be required."
Anu's family have started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the costs for his funeral, and any campaigning going forward.
You can donate to the GoFundMe campaign set up by Anugrah Abraham's family here.
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