A chilling case that shocked the nation has concluded at Leicester Crown Court, where two teenagers have been found guilty of the manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Kohli, who was brutally attacked while walking his dog in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town.
The verdict, delivered after a six-week trial, marks a tragic end to an incident that has sparked national outrage and raised urgent questions about youth violence in UK communities.
The Attack on Bhim Kohli
On the evening of Sunday, 1 September 2024, Bhim Kohli, a much-loved resident of Braunstone Town, left his home on Bramble Way at 6:18pm to take his dog Rocky for a walk. Moments later, CCTV captured a group of five youths entering the park from the same entrance. Among them were the two teenagers later convicted in court.
According to the prosecution, the 15-year-old boy became aggressive after a 13-year-old girl in the group falsely claimed that Mr. Kohli had previously struck another child—an allegation that was never substantiated. She pointed him out, trailed behind filming with her phone, while their three companions fled the scene.
At 6:25pm, the boy, wearing a balaclava, launched an unprovoked attack. Footage presented in court showed him striking Mr. Kohli across the face with a slider sandal, knocking him to the ground. The girl laughed while recording the incident. By 6:28pm, the pair had fled back along Bramble Way, the boy removing his mask as they escaped.
Mr. Kohli was found by a passerby and rushed to hospital, but he tragically died the following day from injuries sustained during the assault.
The Trial and the Verdict
The case was tried at Leicester Crown Court under intense public and media scrutiny. The jury found the 15-year-old boy guilty of manslaughter but not murder, indicating they did not believe he intended to kill Mr. Kohli. The 13-year-old girl was also convicted of manslaughter for encouraging the attack and filming the assault while mocking the victim.
Due to their ages, neither defendant can be named under UK law. They are scheduled to be sentenced in May 2025, with the court expected to consider rehabilitation alongside justice, in accordance with juvenile sentencing guidelines.
Community Outrage and Reaction
The brutal nature of the assault has left the Braunstone Town community shaken. Tributes poured in for Mr. Kohli, described by neighbours as a “gentle soul” and a “pillar of the community.”
On social media, users expressed disbelief and grief. One post read: “How can kids this young be so cruel? Justice for Bhim Kohli.” Another asked, “What’s happening to our youth?” The incident has reignited national debate over rising youth violence and the influence of social media on aggressive behaviour.
A 2023 report from the National Police Chiefs’ Council showed a noticeable increase in youth-related violent incidents, prompting fresh calls for action.
Authorities Respond
In a statement, Leicestershire Police called the incident “heartbreaking” and urged continued community cooperation in tackling youth crime.
Local councillors have proposed increased park patrols and the expansion of youth support services. “We must ensure no family goes through this again,” said one official. “Community safety and early intervention are key.”
A Tragic Reminder
While the convictions offer some closure, Mr. Kohli’s death remains a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked aggression and misinformation. His family has asked for privacy as they continue to grieve.
As sentencing approaches, the case stands as a poignant call for reflection—on justice, accountability, and the kind of society we want for future generations.
