A 14-year-old boy is due to appear in court on Thursday charged with the murder of a grandfather, 80, who was seriously assaulted while walking his beloved dog in the park near his home.
Bhim Kohli died in hospital on Monday after being injured near the entrance of Franklin Park in Braunstone Town, Leicestershire, just seconds away from his home on Sunday evening.
The teenager accused of his death, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Leicester Youth Court sitting at Leicester Magistrates' Court.
Andrew Baxter, deputy chief crown prosecutor for the CPS, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has reviewed a file of evidence from Leicestershire Police and has authorised a charge of murder against a 14-year-old boy in relation to the death of Bhim Sen Kohli.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that the youth has a right to a fair trial.”
Mr Kohli was walking his dog Rocky through the park and is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms at the time of the incident.
Bhim was a loving husband, dad and grandad. He adored his grandkids with all his heart and loved spending time with them.
Five children – a boy and a girl aged 14 and one boy and two girls aged 12 – were arrested on suspicion of murder but four were released without further action, while the 14-year-old boy remained in custody.
Paying tribute to Mr Kohli, the father-of-three’s family 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.”
Mr Kohli had lived in the area for 40 years, according to his daughter.
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.”
