The British police launched a murder investigation this week after the 36-year-old manager of an Indian restaurant was killed in a car accident in the UK while riding back home on his cycle. Eight people have been detained in connection with the case.
On February 14, while riding his bike home from work at the Indian restaurant Vel in Reading, southeast England, Vignesh Pattabhiraman collided with a car at the Cadugan Place intersection in the city.

He was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and later pronounced dead, according to Thames Valley Police.

After being detained on suspicion of murder, 24-year-old Shazeb Khalid was charged and made an appearance at Reading Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Seven men from the same city, aged 20, 21, 24, 27, 31, 41, and 48, who were all detained on suspicion of aiding an offender, have all been freed on bond.

“Our sympathies are with Mr. Raman’s family, who are receiving special assistance from officers with specialized training,” Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin, a senior investigating officer with the Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, stated.

In the meantime, Pattabhiraman’s friends and family launched a ‘Just Giving’ charity campaign to raise money for his funeral expenses and help with repatriation expenses following the “senseless tragedy.” In just a few days, the campaign raised over GBP 39,000.

“Vignesh was a dedicated restaurant manager at Vel, where he gave his all to his work and was recognized for his incredibly kind disposition, excellent customer service skills, and strong work ethics, a social media page states. “His goal of working in the hotel industry as a senior manager was within reach, with an exciting opportunity awaiting him at Hyatt Regency Mayfair London,” it states further.