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Vignesh Pattabhiraman’s tragic passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him
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As the legal proceedings draw to a close, his family continues to seek solace in the overwhelming support they’ve received from the community
In a tragic turn of events, a 25-year-old man of Pakistani origin, Shazeb Khalid, has been found guilty of murdering Vignesh Pattabhiraman, an Indian restaurant manager, in a hit-and-run incident in south-east England on Valentine’s Day this year. After a 28-day trial at Reading Crown Court, the jury convicted Khalid of murder, following his initial plea of manslaughter. The sentencing is scheduled for October 10.
Pattabhiraman, 36, was cycling home from his shift at the Indian restaurant ‘Vel’ when Khalid hit him with a stolen Range Rover. The impact caused a severe head injury, and despite immediate medical attention at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, he was pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination later confirmed that the fatal injury was a direct result of the crash.
Pattabhiraman’s friends described him as a dedicated professional with a promising career in the hotel industry. Just before his death, he was set to join the prestigious Hyatt Regency Mayfair in London as a senior manager, marking the culmination of his years of hard work and dedication.
Khalid’s accomplice, Soiheem Hussain, 27, was also found guilty of assisting an offender, while another individual, Mya Reilly, 20, was acquitted of similar charges. Hussain’s involvement, according to Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin, was critical in aiding Khalid after the incident. The detective remarked, “It was evident to the jury that Khalid used the stolen Range Rover as a weapon, intending to cause harm to Vignesh.”
Pattabhiraman’s untimely death has led to an outpouring of grief from his family and friends. A JustGiving campaign launched in his memory has raised over £52,500, with the funds assisting in repatriating his body to India and supporting his grieving wife, Ramya.
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