Pune:
Embarrassed for not reacting swiftly to the horrific murder of Indian student Anuj Bidve in Manchester last week, two officers from the Greater Manchester police met the Bidve family at their home in Pune for the second day today, and promised action against the guilty.
"The purpose of the visit was to speak with family of Anuj and to support them in what must be one of the most difficult times in their life. In all incidents of murder we use specially trained family liaison officers who work with family. Their role is to support and guide them through the upsetting process of receiving their loved one back in matters such as court proceedings. It's not uncommon for us to send officers to other countries if the victim's family comes from outside UK," said Russ Jackson, Chief Superintendent, Greater Manchester Police. (
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"Our role has been to meet the family to explain about the case and to go through the last moment of Anuj's life with them as we understand them to be from the investigation so far. This is especially important in this case and in a view best done in a face to face meeting," he added.
Mr Bidve, a post-graduate student at the Lancaster University, was shot dead at point blank range on December 26 when he was walking down the street in Salford near Manchester with a group of Indian friends. They were visiting the town during their Christmas vacation from college. He had moved to Lancaster University from his hometown in Pune in 2010.
The 20-year-old Briton accused of killing Mr Bidve was today remanded to custody until March 20 when the next hearing is scheduled. Kiaran Stapleton, who described himself as "Psycho Stapleton" at Manchester Magistrates Court on Monday, appeared before the Manchester Crown Court today via video-link from prison.
The police have said that they are treating the murder as a hate crime. The seemingly unprovoked attack on Mr Bidve has come as a major embarrassment for the UK police as it has been heavily criticised for inaction, insensitivity and red tape. It has also raised questions about the safety of foreign students in the country.
While the victim's father, Subhash Bidve, earlier alleged that the family learnt of the murder via Facebook, his body has yet to be released. His father and brother-in-law Rakesh Sonawane are expected to leave for Manchester later today to try and expedite the process.
After the second post-mortem was conducted today, the coroner is likely to release the body of the 23-year-old student for repatriation to India. The family has expressed the hope that this would happen by tomorrow.
Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil was held on Monday evening by the friends of Anuj Bidve in Manchester as a mark of a silent protest.
A large number of people from across England gathered, along with Mr Bidve's friends and fellow students, in Salford to pay their last respects and placed candles and flowers at the spot where the 23-year-old was killed.
"Obviously the community here and throughout the United Kingdom has been very moved by this terrible death. It was a senseless act. What we see today is the whole community here in Ordsall united with people from different parts of the country. I'm pleased that someone has been arrested and charged and now we have to await the process of justice," British MP Keith Vaz, who also attended the event, said.
(with PTI inputs)