Elderly Man's Death: Police Response Under Second Review

Leicestershire Police's handling of anti-social behaviour is under scrutiny for a second time after an elderly man's fatal attack. Bhim Kohli, aged 80, died in September 2026 following an assault where he was punched and kicked by a 14-year-old boy, while a 12-year-old girl recorded the event. This tragic incident occurred just two weeks after Mr. Kohli had witnessed a separate racially motivated attack on another man near his home.

An initial investigation by Leicestershire Police, overseen by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), identified no instances of misconduct or missed opportunities. However, a new review is now underway following a public complaint regarding the force's previous actions. Mr. Kohli died the day after the severe assault in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, near Leicester, while walking his dog.

The 14-year-old boy has been sentenced to seven years in custody, and the 12-year-old girl received a three-year youth rehabilitation order with a six-month curfew for manslaughter. Mr. Kohli's daughter believes her father might still be alive if police had acted more swiftly concerning the earlier racist assault.

Reports indicate that police were aware of the identities of the boys involved in the earlier assault within days but did not make arrests until September 5, 2026, three days after Mr. Kohli's death. The IOPC has confirmed that an investigation will be conducted by Leicestershire Police's professional standards department, with the watchdog retaining oversight to ensure transparency and provide a right of review for the complainant.