"they pushed him over and he must have broken his neck."
An 80-year-old dog walker was allegedly kicked to death by a gang of youths after previously complaining to police about anti-social behaviour.
Five youths, including three girls and two boys aged between 12 and 14, have been arrested.
The horror attack took place in Braunstone Town, near Leicester, at around 6:30 pm on September 1, 2024.
Bhim Sen Kohli died in hospital after he was allegedly attacked while walking his dog in Franklin Park.
He previously complained to police about anti-social behaviour involving children in the area.
But no action had been taken and Leicestershire Police has referred itself to the police watchdog.
A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct 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.”
Longtime friend and neighbour Deep Singh Kalia had known Mr Kohli for over 30 years and said:
“He was such a lovely guy. It is a horrible shock.
“I would meet up with him every day. We were both originally from the Punjab in India.
“He loved his allotment and loved his dog, and loved his family. He used to own a factory that made jumpers and cardigans.
“I don’t know why anyone would have wanted to do something like this to him.
“He was just a very nice man who wouldn’t have done anything to provoke this.
“I have heard he got into an argument and they pushed him over and he must have broken his neck.
“He was joking all the time. I don’t know anyone who had a problem with him.
“I have been to see his wife. He was very popular and a lot of people are coming to say sorry.
“He was skinny, but very fit because he worked on his allotment all the time.”
One friend said Mr Kohli was abused and spat at a few months before his death.
Graham Haldane explained how Mr Kohli told off the yobs for climbing on a neighbouring garage roof before calling police.
He said: “Bhim had some bother a few months back with some kids who had climbed onto the flat garage roof opposite.
“He challenged them and they dished out some abuse and spat at him.
“He rang the police about it but it took them three days to come round and take a statement.
“He was a frail guy and wasn’t a threat to anyone. I just can’t believe someone has had a dig at him.”
It is believed Mr Kohli was seriously assaulted by a gang of young people near the park entrance who then fled the scene.
According to his daughter, Mr Kohli was kicked in the neck and spine.
The group fled before emergency services arrived and took Mr Kohli to hospital, where he died.
Cops have since arrested a boy and a girl aged 14 and one boy and two girls aged 12 on suspicion of murder.
The five children are currently being interviewed by cops probing the man’s death.
Before he died, Mr Kohli’s daughter said:
“He had been taking the dog for a walk.
“They pushed him, they kicked him in the neck, kicked him in the spine.
“He was about 30 seconds away from getting home. He’s always been very active – he has three allotments. We’ve lived here for 40 years.”
One neighbour said:
“I heard a commotion outside and he was lying in the park, screaming in pain. He said he was violently pushed over.”
Police want to speak to anyone who was in the park or in the area between 6 pm and 6:45 pm on September 1.
Mr Kohli is believed to have been wearing a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms.
Detective Inspector Emma Matts said: “Sadly, following the death of the victim last night, this has now become a murder investigation.
“Officers are continuing to work at speed to establish the details of the attack.
“We have made a number of arrests as we continue to understand what has happened.
“We still need people who were in the area to come forward if they have seen anything or have any information which could assist.
“Were you in the area of Franklin Park or Bramble Way around 6: 30pm on Sunday night? Did you see the attack itself?
“From the description given did you see the victim before the incident or possibly a group of young people leaving the area after?
“A scene preservation will remain in place at the park while our investigation progresses.
“Local officers are also in the area carrying out reassurance patrols and can speak to anyone in the local community who has concerns.”
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