Detectives investigating a fatal collision in Barnet have announced a £20,000 reward for information on the one-year anniversary of the incident. Bhagwanji Rughani, aged 80 at the time, tragically lost his life after being struck by a white van in a supermarket car park on Saturday, September 24, 2022.
The family of Mr. Rughani, deeply affected by the loss of their beloved father, expressed their grief. They stated, “The whole family is devastated by the tragic loss of our loving father, and we all miss him dearly every day.”
The independent charity Crimestoppers has now stepped in to offer a £20,000 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Mr. Rughani’s death. To be eligible for the reward, individuals must provide their information directly to Crimestoppers.
Detective Constable Jonathan Stokes from the Met’s Road and Transport Policing Command is heading the investigation. He made a heartfelt appeal, saying, “It is now one year since this tragic incident, and Mr. Rughani’s family and friends remain shattered by his death. A reward of £20,000 is available for anyone who can provide information to Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.”
Alexa Loukas, Crimestoppers London Regional Manager, emphasised the charity’s commitment to anonymity, saying, “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr. Rughani, who are still feeling the pain of losing a loved one in such an awful way. Please remember that with our charity, we promise no police, no courts, no witness statements. All you have to do is tell us what you know.”
crimestoppers, an organization independent of the police, guarantees 100% anonymity to those who share crime information. Callers can reach their UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111, which is available 24/7, or use the secure anonymous online form on their website at Crimestoppers-uk.org.
Police have also released footage featuring the van involved in the incident. It is believed that two white men were in the van on the day of the collision, and the vehicle was using cloned registration plates. On September 24, 2022, at approximately 16.50 the van was observed driving around the Tesco car park in the Coppetts Centre in Colney Hatch.
The van abruptly came to a stop and then rapidly reversed, colliding with Mr. Rughani, before leaving the scene without stopping. Mr. Rughani was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.
As part of the investigation, two men were arrested; however, they have since been released with no further action taken against them. Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact them at 020 8246 9820 or via ‘X’ @MetCC, quoting CAD 4826/24Sep22.
For those who wish to remain completely anonymous and be eligible for the Crimestoppers reward, please reach out to the independent charity on 0800 555 111 or through their website.
