London, Feb 21: A 36-year-old Indian restaurant manager was killed in a road collision while cycling home in the UK leading to a murder investigation by the British police, who have made eight arrests in the case this week.
Vignesh Pattabhiraman was cycling back from his work place at Indian restaurant Vel in Reading, south-east England, on February 14 when he was in a collision with a vehicle at the Cadugan Place junction in the city.
Thames Valley Police said he was declared dead after being rushed to the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Shazeb Khalid, aged 24, arrested on suspicion of the murder has since been charged and appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Seven men, aged 20, 21, 24, 27, 31, 41 and 48, all from the same city arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have all been released on bail.
"Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Raman, who are being supported by specially trained officers," said Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin, of Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Unit.
"We are continuing our investigation into the circumstances of his death, and arrests have now been made. I would like to take this opportunity to again appeal to anybody who has any information to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police," he said.
The Major Crime Unit officers have said there will continue to be a visible police presence in the area while their investigation continues to address any public concerns on site.
Meanwhile, a Just Giving charity initiative set up by Pattabhiraman's friends and family to help with repatriation costs and support for his grieving wife Ramya after the "senseless tragedy" has raised over GBP 39,000 within days.
"Vignesh was a committed restaurant manager at Vel, where he poured his heart and soul into his work, earning recognition for his exceptionally warm nature , customer service and work ethics. His dream of reaching a senior management position in the hotel industry was within reach, with an exciting opportunity awaiting him at Hyatt Regency Mayfair London," reads the page.
"We are rallying together to support Vignesh's grieving family during this unimaginably difficult time. Your generous contributions will provide much-needed financial assistance to help cover repatriation cost, funeral expenses, support his grieving wife, Ramya, and ease the burden on his family as they navigate this profound loss," it adds.
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Mumbai (PTI): The last rites of legendary singer Asha Bhosle will be performed at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Monday afternoon with state honours.
The 92-year-old singer who ruled Bollywood for over seven decades with her wide range of memorable songs passed away on Sunday due to multi-organ failure at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.
Later, her mortal remains were brought to her residence in Lower Parel.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid last respects to Bhosle at her residence on Sunday evening and offered floral tributes.
State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, along with legislators Sunil Shinde and Prasad Lad, also paid their respects.
"Asha Bhosle will be accorded a state funeral, which will take place at 4 pm on April 13," Shelar said.
The singer's son, Anand, said people can pay their last respects to her at 11 am on Monday at Casa Grande, Lower Parel, where she lived.
"Her last rites will be performed at 4 pm on Monday at Shivaji Park," he told reporters.
Ashatai, as the legendary singer was popularly known, was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan awards.
