An elderly man who was racially abused before being fatally attacked had told police he witnessed an assault on another Asian man yards from his home two weeks earlier, the BBC has found. Bhim Kohli had been walking his dog in a park in Leicestershire in September when he was punched and kicked by a 14-year-old boy while a girl, 12, filmed the attack. The BBC has learnt that Mr Kohli spoke to officers in August after he saw two white boys aged 12 and 13 racially abuse a man and throw a large rock at him near the same park where the 80-year-old encountered his own attackers. Leicestershire Police said "organisational learning" to improve logging anti-social behaviour had been identified. Mr Kohli died the day after the "intense attack" against him in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town near Leicester, for which the boy and girl, now aged 15 and 13 respectively, were both convicted of manslaughter. They are due to be sentenced on Thursday. Another eyewitness to the attack in August, Linda Haigh, said she warned police about racially motivated problems in the area before Mr Kohli died, and believes he would still be alive had they taken her more seriously. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, was walking to Franklin Park on 17 August when he was targeted by the two boys, who were not involved in Mr Kohli's death. He told the BBC: "One of the boys started picking up stones and throwing them at me... and then the same boy picked up a quite a large rock from the front garden of one of the houses there, and tried to throw it at me." The man, aged in his 40s, said they shouted at him to "go back to your village". "It was a throwback to back to the 80s, when it was quite commonplace to be racially abused," he said. "I was shocked that this kind of behaviour was still around society. "I've not been in that situation for a long time, maybe 40 years." It was when one of the boys picked up a wooden fence post and tried to hit the man with it that others - including Mr Kohli and his daughter Susan, and their neighbour Ms Haigh - intervened, according to the man. He said he was shocked by the "kind of behaviour from such a young age group". "The racist language, the violence used as well... they were trying to physically hurt me," he added. "The anger, but more just the vitriol of the whole thing." Police were called but the pair were not arrested until three days after the death of Mr Kohli, according to the man. He believes a greater police presence in the area following the assault could have prevented the attack on Mr Kohli two weeks later. "They should have really looked at putting more presence there, more officers, maybe mobile police cars driving around," he said. "They could have deterred them. It's obviously very tragic." During the trial of Mr Kohli's killers, the court was told about an occasion "a week or two" before his death when the girl convicted of his manslaughter was present while other children threw apples at him. The jury was also shown a video she had filmed on her phone of another Asian man having a water balloon thrown at him and being racially abused. The BBC has also been told it was reported to police that in July Mr Kohli had stones thrown at him, was spat at and had been racially abused by a group of children after he told them to get off his neighbour's garage roof. Ch Supt Jonathan Starbuck, of Leicestershire Police, said: "Prior to Mr Kohli's death, police were aware of two reports of anti-social behaviour involving youths in the Franklin Park area which were being investigated. "Partnership work in the area following Mr Kohli's death did identify further incidents which had not been reported." He added an investigation conducted by the force, reviewed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, did not identify any "misconduct or missed opportunities which could have prevented Mr Kohli's death". The attacks have left the victim of the August assault fearful for his safety and that of his elderly parents, who also live in the area. His father, like Mr Kohli, likes to go for a walk, but since being targeted, he tells him not to, especially in the dark, he told the BBC. "Even my nephews... you worry about them as well because you just don't know. It's just become more violent," he said. The two boys involved in the August assault appeared in youth court in Leicester in December charged with racially or religiously aggravated common assault. They admitted the offences but were later dealt with out of court by way of a deferred youth caution following a referral to the youth justice panel for an out-of-court disposal. The process aims to divert young people away from the criminal justice system where possible, the Crown Prosecution Service said. Ms Haigh, who was friends with Mr Kohli for more than 20 years, told the BBC she called police when she saw the two boys involved in the August assault pick up the boulder from outside her neighbour's house and throw it at the man. She said she was aware of similar attacks by young people happening last summer in Braunstone Town and told police it needed to be "nipped in the bud". "I don't think it was taken serious enough," she said. "I think they should have acted on it. I feel that we've been totally let down." Ch Supt Starbuck said: "We continue to monitor the area of Franklin Park and have engaged with the community through a local survey, drop-in centres, engagement with local schools, youth work and proactive policing patrols." Follow BBC Leicester onFacebook, onX, or onInstagram. 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Man killed in racist attack told police he saw similar assault weeks before death
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Elderly Man Killed in Racial Attack Had Reported Similar Assault Weeks Earlier"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Bhim Kohli, an 80-year-old man, was tragically killed in a racially motivated attack in Leicestershire, prompting a deeper investigation into prior incidents of racial abuse in the area. Just weeks before his death, Mr. Kohli had reported witnessing another assault on an Asian man near the same park where he was later attacked by two youths. On that day in September, while out walking his dog, Mr. Kohli was assaulted by a 14-year-old boy, who punched and kicked him, with a 12-year-old girl filming the incident. The police had previously received reports of racially charged incidents occurring in the Franklin Park area, including one involving two young boys who had thrown rocks and shouted racial slurs at another man. Despite these warnings, there was a delayed police response, which has raised questions about the adequacy of law enforcement actions in preventing such violence.
Witnesses have expressed their concerns regarding the escalation of racial abuse among youths in the community, with one individual stating that he had alerted the police about similar incidents before Mr. Kohli's death. The community is now left grappling with the implications of these attacks, as many feel unsafe walking in the area, especially at night. Following Mr. Kohli's murder, the two minors involved were convicted of manslaughter and are scheduled for sentencing. The police have acknowledged the need for better engagement with the community and have initiated programs aimed at addressing anti-social behavior. However, many residents feel let down by the police response and believe that more proactive measures could have potentially saved Mr. Kohli's life. The tragic incident has not only highlighted the ongoing issue of racial violence but also the importance of community vigilance and police responsiveness in ensuring public safety.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The tragic incident involving the elderly man, Bhim Kohli, raises significant concerns about racial violence and the effectiveness of local law enforcement in addressing such issues. The report sheds light on a broader pattern of racially motivated attacks, suggesting systemic failures in how these incidents are monitored and addressed.
Motivation Behind the Publication
The article appears to aim at highlighting the urgent need for better policing and community safety measures concerning racially motivated violence. By detailing Mr. Kohli's previous warnings to the police, it emphasizes a narrative of neglect that may resonate with communities that feel vulnerable or targeted. This aligns with growing public discourse on racism and the responsibilities of law enforcement to protect all citizens.
Public Perception
The report seeks to create a heightened awareness of the dangers posed by unchecked racial aggression in society. By providing personal accounts of racially charged incidents, it aims to elicit empathy and a sense of urgency among readers. The inclusion of eyewitness testimonies reinforces the idea that such behavior is not isolated but rather part of a troubling trend.
Omissions and Underlying Issues
While the article focuses on racial violence, it may divert attention from other social issues, such as economic disparity or lack of community resources that contribute to youth violence. By concentrating exclusively on the racial elements of the attacks, the report risks oversimplifying a complex issue that requires a more nuanced understanding of its root causes.
Manipulative Elements
The narrative could be perceived as manipulative due to its emotionally charged language and the focus on racial identities. The framing of the attackers as youths also raises questions about accountability and the societal factors leading to their behavior, which may not be fully explored in the piece. This approach could unintentionally foster divisive sentiments among different community groups.
Reliability of the Information
The article cites credible sources, including police statements and eyewitness accounts, which enhances its reliability. However, the lack of comprehensive data on the prevalence of such attacks in the area could leave readers wanting more context. The emphasis on individual experiences, while powerful, does not necessarily reflect broader statistical trends.
Connections to Other News
When compared to other reports on racial violence, this article fits into a growing genre of media focusing on systemic racism and the failures of institutions to protect marginalized populations. The connection to previous similar incidents suggests a pattern that demands attention from policymakers and community leaders.
Potential Societal Impact
This report can spur community activism and calls for reform in policing practices. It could influence public opinion on law enforcement's role in preventing hate crimes and lead to increased advocacy for protective measures in vulnerable communities. Moreover, it may push local governments to reconsider their approaches to community safety and racial equality.
Community Support Dynamics
The narrative may resonate more with marginalized communities who experience racial abuse and may garner support from advocacy groups focused on civil rights and social justice. It highlights a collective concern over safety and the need for action against hate crimes.
Economic and Market Implications
While the article may not have a direct impact on financial markets, it could influence public sentiment towards companies and organizations in the area, particularly those perceived as not supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives. Investors might be wary of supporting businesses linked to communities with rising racial tensions.
Global Relevance
The themes presented in this article are part of a larger global conversation about race, violence, and community safety. As similar incidents occur worldwide, this case contributes to the ongoing discourse around the need for systemic change in how societies address racial issues.
AI Influence on Content
It is unlikely that AI played a significant role in the creation of this article, as it relies heavily on human storytelling and personal narratives. However, AI models could assist in analyzing data trends related to racial violence, but the emotional weight of the report stems from human experiences and perspectives.
The overall reliability of this news piece is reasonable due to its sourcing and relevance to ongoing societal issues. However, the potential for manipulation through emotional framing suggests a need for readers to critically evaluate the broader context of such reports.