Devastated family of dog walker, 80, ‘murdered’ in park pay tribute to ‘loving husband, dad and grandad’
THE devastated family of an elderly dog walker who was allegedly killed in a park have paid tribute to their “loving husband, dad and grandad”.
Bhim Sen Kohli, 80, tragically died in hospital after he was allegedly attacked in Franklin Park, near Leicester, at around 6.30pm on Sunday evening.
His daughter heard shouts from neighbours after Bhim was attacked just 20 yards from his home and ran to his aid but he died in hospital from his injuries.
Now, his heartbroken family have paid tribute to him with a moving statement, it read: “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 everyday 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.”
Five youths including a boy and girl aged 14 and two girls aged 12 were arrested on suspicion of murder after the horror.
A 14-year-old boy remains in custody while cops confirmed the other four youngsters have been released “with no further action”.
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.
Before he died Bhim’s daughter said: “They pushed him, they kicked him in the neck, kicked him in the spine.”
She continued: “He had been taking the dog for a walk. He was about 30 seconds away from getting home when he was attacked.
“He was lying under the tree and at first he was complaining about his neck and now he’s not able to move his legs.
“We’ve lived here for 40 years and just recently there’s been a lot of antisocial behaviour, which has been reported to the police.”
Detectives are now trying to establish the circumstances of the fatal assault in Braunstone Town and whether there was a racist motive.
It has been revealed that dad-of-three Bhim, a retired clothing factory owner, recently spoke to cops about racist abuse.
Leicestershire Police are referring themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over that contact but it is understood the abuse did not involve any of those held in custody over his murder.
A spokesman for the IOPC said: “We can confirm that we have received a referral from Leicestershire Police in relation to this matter.
“We will carry out an assessment in due course to decide what further action may be required from us.”
One friend has claimed Bhim was previously spat at by a group of teens outside his home earlier this summer.
Another local told how local youths had thrown “big rocks” at the 80-year-old.
Residents described the grandfather-of-two as a “gentle” man who took his four-legged companion named Rocky out daily.
Another neighbour, Frank Owen, 50, said: “I haven’t lived here long and would just say ‘Hello’ when I saw Bhim walking his dog.
“But he seemed really nice. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to do this.
“But we have read there may have been a racial element.”
Nigel Morris, 57, who has an allotment similar to Bhim’s, paid tribute to the grandfather and said he “felt sick” over the tragedy.
Mr Morris said: “He always had a smile. He was just a genuinely nice guy.
“I don’t understand any of this. He was a proper gent. I’m just sick – I feel quite sick about the whole thing.”
Mr Morris had earlier said: “Bhim and his wife were always on the allotment – every day they were there.
“I spoke to him most days. We’d talk about general things. If he was going to India, about his family and allotment stuff to do with growing.
“I went up to the allotments and there were a couple of people there who were very shocked. It’s horrendous, horrible. Just awful.
“He was a lovely man. I can’t imagine he would have done anything to provoke this. I don’t know what to say.”