Our Bureau
London
Shazeb Khalid, a 25-year-old man, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of Vignesh Pattabhiraman, a 36-year-old Indian-origin restaurant manager. The tragic incident unfolded on February 14, 2024, when Khalid struck Pattabhiraman with a stolen Range Rover while he was cycling home from his job at the popular Indian restaurant ‘Vel’ in Reading, UK.
As he cycled home after a long shift, his life was abruptly cut short when Khalid, having stolen the vehicle earlier that day, drove recklessly and collided with Pattabhiraman. The impact was catastrophic; Pattabhiraman suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to the Royal Berkshire Hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Khalid was arrested shortly after the incident and initially charged with manslaughter. However, during a 28-day trial at Reading Crown Court, evidence presented by the prosecution painted a stark picture of Khalid’s intentions. The jury ultimately found him guilty of murder, concluding that he had acted with reckless disregard for human life. Alongside him, Soiheem Hussain was convicted of assisting an offender, while Mya Reilly was acquitted.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin expressed relief at the verdict, stating that it underscored the seriousness of Khalid’s actions. “I am pleased with the lengthy sentence handed to Khalid in particular. It reflects the truly sickening nature of his actions,” said Brangwin.
The impact of Pattabhiraman’s death has reverberated throughout the local community. Friends and colleagues have come together to honor his memory and support his family during this difficult time. A JustGiving campaign launched in his honor has raised over £52,500 to assist his wife, Ramya, with living expenses and repatriation costs to send Pattabhiraman’s body back to India.
“Vignesh was a committed restaurant manager at Vel, where he poured his heart and soul into his work, earning recognition for his exceptionally warm nature, customer service and work ethic. His dream of reaching a senior management position in the hotel industry was within reach, with an exciting opportunity awaiting him at Hyatt Regency Mayfair London,” as per the online tribute.
