Decks cleared for return of anuj bidve’s body

Second post-mortem report prepared by UK authorities matches first in murder case. The body of Anuj Bidve, who was shot dead during Christmas celebrations in the UK, will soon be sent back

to India. Speaking to DNA on Tuesday, Anuj’s brother-in-law, Rakesh Sonawale said, “The second post-mortem examination concluded on Tuesday and its report matched with the first one. The

body has been handed over to the funeral director and the Indian high commission in the UK. The process of repatriation of the body to India will be completed in 2-3 days.” However, Sonawale

said that a date on when Anuj’s body would be flown to India is yet to be decided. On Tuesday, officers from Greater Manchester Police, who are in Pune to meet Anuj’s family, told the media

that it is not uncommon for British officers to visit another country if the victim’s family was abroad. A Chandannagar resident, Anuj (23) was celebrating Christmas with his friends in

Salford, Greater Manchester, on December 26 when a white man shot him dead. Five people were arrested for the attack, believed to be a motiveless crime; four have been released on bail,

while one person, Kiaran Stapleton (20), has been charged. Since the officers arrived in Pune, numerous media reports had suggested that they were here for “damage control” as Anuj’s family

had earlier complained of callousness of the British police, after the family learnt of the death through Facebook. Even the family stated on Monday that officers were here to apologise to

them. “In all incidents of murder, we use specially trained family liaison officers who work with a family. “Their role is to support and guide them through the upsetting process of

receiving their loved ones back and matters such as court proceedings. It is not uncommon for us to send officers to other countries if the victim’s family is outside the UK,” said Russ

Jackson, chief superintendent of Greater Manchester Police. He said the officers met Bidve’s family for several hours on Monday and spoke again on Tuesday to explain the case so far, and go

through the last moments of Anuj’s life as understood from investigations so far. “Anuj’s family is understandably keen to have him returned to them. In the UK, following charge of a person,

the defence is entitled to a second post-mortem examination. “This is taking place this morning on January 3, after which Her Majesty’s Coroner shall consider the release of Anuj’s body,”

Jackson said. Stating that the police would be constantly in touch with Anuj’s family in the coming months, he said that the details of the family’s visit to the UK are being worked out.

However, he refused to take any further questions, stating that legal proceedings are on and it was wrong to comment further.