2nd postmortem of Anuj Bidve underway in UK

LONDON: UK police is today carrying out the second post mortem of Indian student Anuj Bidve, who was shot dead in an unprovoked attack in Salford, which will pave the way for his body to be taken back to India.

Officers of the Manchester Police, who visited the Bidve family in Pune, said in a statement: "Anuj's family are very understandably keen to have Anuj returned to them.

"In the UK following charge of a person, the defence are entitled to a second post mortem examination. This is taking place this morning the January 3".

They added, "After this Her Majesty's Coroner will then be able to consider release of Anuj. Anuj's family is aware of this and the detailed reasoning behind it".

Kiaran Stapleton, charged with Bidve's murder was scheduled to appear before the Manchester Crown Court via video-link later today.

Meanwhile, prayers by a Hindu priest marked a candle-lit vigil last evening at the spot where Indian student Anuj Bidve was killed in an unprovoked attack in Salford as hundreds of people expressed their grief at the incident.

The gathering included many residents of the Orsdall area of Salford, where the incident took place on December 26.

Expressing shock at the incident, they said Bidve's attackers had brought shame to the area and unwelcome national and international attention to Salford.

The incident and vigil have been widely covered in the British press.

A lamppost, festooned with fresh floral tributes became the spot for an impromptu shrine, where candles and cards with messages were placed.

The arc of light extended over time as people waited for their turn to place candles around a framed photo of Bidve.