30-Year-Old Indian Student Stabbed to Death in UK, Family Appeals to EAM Jaishankar for Return of Mortal Remains

New Delhi: A 30-year-old Indian student from Haryana’s Charkhi Dadri was stabbed to death in Worcester, United Kingdom, on November 25. Following this, his family has written to India’s External Affairs Minister, seeking assistance in bringing his body back to the country.

Ravi Kumar, the elder brother of the deceased, wrote, “I humbly wish to bring to your notice that my younger brother, Vijay Kumar, who was studying at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol in England, has been tragically murdered on 25 November by certain individuals. The local police are currently investigating the case. Our family is devastated by this unfortunate incident. During this painful time, we request the support of the ministry in order to bring my brother’s mortal remains back to India for the last rites."

According to West Mercia Police, officers found him around 4:15 am on Tuesday morning on Barbourne Road with severe injuries. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

In a statement issued on November 28, the police said, “We continue to appeal for information after a murder investigation was launched in Worcester. On Tuesday morning (25 November) around 4:15 am, a 30-year-old man was found by officers on Barbourne Road in Worcester with serious injuries. He was taken to hospital but sadly died later that day.”

The deceased has been identified as Vijay Kumar Sheoran, hailing from Charkhi Dadri district. The motive behind the stabbing remains unclear as the investigation continues. 

Speaking exclusively to Republic, the victim's elder brother, Ravi Kumar, said his family has been struggling to get clear information from the authorities in the UK. “I got to know about my brother’s condition through his roommate, who told me that Vijay’s phone was unreachable and that the police had taken his number. Later the authorities informed me that my brother is in critical condition. That is how we came to know,” he shared.

He added that communication with officials overseas has been extremely difficult. “I have been speaking to an officer named Natasha, but we don’t know their policies. They say no information can be shared until the investigation is complete. We are not getting proper updates. There is no feedback from immigration either. Our family is under tremendous stress.”

Police also confirmed the five men were arrested on suspicion of murder and were released on bail as the investigation continues.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Holehouse said, “Over the course of the last few days, my team have been conducting extensive lines of enquiries to ascertain what happened on Tuesday morning and what led to a man losing his life. As part of these enquiries, officers will remain on Barbourne Road over the weekend, and I would like to reassure the community that this is to continue gathering evidence, and the public should not be alarmed.” 

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