The police watchdog has launched an investigation into allegations a trainee officer was bullied at work before he was found dead, it was confirmed today.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced a full independent investigation would be carried out into claims Anugrah Abraham, a student officer at West Yorkshire Police, was 'subject to bullying at work prior to his death'.
Anugrah, from Bury and known as Anu, went missing after having breakfast with his parents on March 3. He was found dead in woodland near to his home in the Radcliffe area of the town the next day.
The 21-year old - described by loved ones as a 'gentle giant' - was a student at Leeds Trinity University and was training with the force at the time of his death.
His family, in a statement, alleged treatment he received while on placement with the force as part of a three-year apprenticeship degree caused him 'severe stress and anxiety', saying he had previously been a 'carefree, happy young man'. They said Anu was posted at Halifax Police Station from October 2022 and he was initially excited. However, they claimed things 'quickly turned sour' within weeks of him starting the placement. They said they believe he took his own life.
The family said they asked the IOPC to investigate his treatment, supported by Kids of Colour and the Northern Police Monitoring Project, but were told a local investigation by the West Yorkshire Police's professional standards department would be conducted.
Now the watchdog has said that 'in light of requests for us to reconsider our decision', the case would be subject to a full IOPC probe. The Chief Constable of the force, John Robins, is said to have personally asked for a reconsideration.
In a statement, the watchdog said: "We received a referral from the force on 9 March of a complaint, which alleged bullying was a factor in the death of PC Anugrah Abraham, known as Anu, who was found in the Radcliffe area of Bury on 4 March.
"On 14 March, we decided a local investigation was required and directed WYP to investigate the complaint. This was in line with our view that, normally, investigations relating to how forces treat and support the welfare and wellbeing of their employees, should be investigated by the relevant professional standards department.
"The complainant was informed they would have the right to have the IOPC review the force’s handling of the matter on conclusion of that investigation should they be unsatisfied with the outcome.
"However, in light of requests for us to reconsider our decision, including from both PC Abraham's family and the Chief Constable of WYP, we have now determined that the matter will be independently investigated."
Anu's family claim he was left 'traumatised' by one incident in which 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 claim Anu was regularly sent out on incidents alone, which he did not feel prepared for, and ended up breaking down in front of a sergeant.
IOPC Regional Director Emily Barry said: "Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Anu, as well as all those affected by his death.
"Having carefully considered representations made to us on this matter, we have determined it is now in the public interest for us to independently investigate these serious allegations. We have contacted Anu’s family, and WYP, to make them aware of our decision."
On Greater Manchester Police's involvement, the IOPC said: "We also received a mandatory referral from Greater Manchester Police due to the fact PC Abraham had been reported missing to the force on 3 March. Following a detailed assessment of the available information, we identified evidence of positive action taken by the force to locate him after they were made aware he was missing.
"In light of this, and in the absence of any concern that police action may have caused or contributed to his death, we determined independent oversight or investigation by the IOPC was not required and on 9 March returned the matter to GMP to deal with in a proportionate manner."
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