Pakistani origin man sentenced for murder

Pak-Origin Man Gets Life Sentence for Murder

A 25-year-old man of Pakistani origin, Shazeb Khalid, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Indian restaurant manager Vignesh Pattabhiraman. The tragic incident occurred in Reading, southeast England, on Valentine’s Day this year when Vignesh was struck by a car while cycling home. The murder trial, held at Reading Crown Court, concluded with Khalid’s conviction for murder, and he was sentenced earlier this week.

The Murder of Vignesh Pattabhiraman

On February 14, 36-year-old Vignesh Pattabhiraman, who worked as the manager of Vel, an Indian restaurant in Reading, was cycling home from work when he was hit by a car on Addington Road. Police arrived on the scene following reports of a road traffic collision and found Vignesh seriously injured. He was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A murder investigation was immediately launched by Thames Valley Police, which later uncovered the devastating motive behind the crime.

Misguided Motive Leads to Tragedy

The murder investigation revealed that Shazeb Khalid had acted on a misguided belief that Vignesh had instigated an investigation into Vel restaurant for employing illegal immigrants. Khalid wrongly assumed that Vignesh was responsible for alerting authorities and took matters into his own hands, leading to the fatal attack. Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin, who led the investigation, described Khalid’s actions as “sickening” and emphasized the senselessness of the crime.

“I am pleased with the lengthy sentence handed to Khalid in particular. It reflects the truly sickening nature of his actions,” said Brangwin. “Vignesh was a kind, gentle man who moved to the UK on the promise of a job providing opportunity and hope for him and his wife, Ramya. He was killed on a misguided belief that he was responsible for instigating an investigation into the Vel restaurant.”

The Court’s Verdict and Sentencing

Khalid was arrested five days after the murder, on February 19, and charged with murder the next day. While he initially pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter, the jury ultimately found him guilty of murder. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for the crime. Alongside Khalid, two other individuals were also charged in connection with the case. Soiheem Hussain, 27, was found guilty of assisting an offender and received a four-year prison sentence. Mya Reilly, 20, was found not guilty of the same charge.

Impact on Vignesh’s Family

The loss of Vignesh has left his family and friends devastated, especially his wife, Ramya. They had moved to the UK in search of better opportunities and a bright future, but this senseless tragedy shattered their dreams. “Ramya’s life was shattered when her husband’s life was taken, and Vignesh’s wider family and friends were similarly devastated,” said Detective Brangwin. He added that he hoped the sentences handed down would provide some relief for Vignesh’s grieving family.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Vignesh’s friends and family launched a Just Giving campaign to raise funds for his repatriation to India and to support Ramya during this difficult time. The online charity initiative has raised over GBP 52,500 so far, highlighting the outpouring of love and support from the community.

Remembering Vignesh Pattabhiraman

Vignesh was a dedicated restaurant manager at Vel, known for his warm nature, exceptional customer service, and strong work ethic. He had dreams of advancing in the hotel industry, with a promising career opportunity awaiting him at the prestigious Hyatt Regency Mayfair London. His friends and family remembered him as a hardworking individual who poured his heart and soul into his work and cherished the time spent with his wife, Ramya.

An online tribute to Vignesh read: “Vignesh was a committed restaurant manager at Vel, where he poured his heart and soul into his work, earning recognition for his exceptionally warm nature, customer service, and work ethic. His dream of reaching a senior management position in the hotel industry was within reach, with an exciting opportunity awaiting him at Hyatt Regency Mayfair London.”

The tribute continued: “In addition to his professional endeavours, Vignesh cherished time with his beloved wife, Ramya, and their shared aspirations for a bright future in the UK. Their dreams were shattered by this senseless tragedy, leaving behind a void that cannot be filled.”

A Senseless Tragedy

The murder of Vignesh Pattabhiraman has left a deep impact on the Reading community and beyond. The misguided motive behind the crime has further intensified the sense of loss, as Vignesh was an innocent man caught in the crossfire of a senseless act. His tragic death serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of justice being served.

As Khalid begins his life sentence, the hope remains that Vignesh’s family can find some peace and closure in the wake of this heartbreaking event.