London, Jan 2: 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 is 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. A message from the Bidve family was read out: “He could easily bring a smile to anyone's face. His passing will not only leave a void in our lives but in the hearts of all those who knew him”.
The vigil was organised by Vikrant Gupta, 24, an IT worker living in Manchester.
Gupta told the media: “When I read the news I felt really bad. I felt I wanted to do something for him and his family”.
Sushant Gupta, 21, a student at Aston University and a friend of Bidve added: “He was the only son and he just came here three months ago and he was looking forward to this a long, long time.
“He was so excited to see Christmas in the UK and he wanted to see Manchester United play on Boxing Day. He was a nice guy, it is a shame to lose someone so good”.
Ordsall resident Susan Branchflower said: “We just wanted to show our respects. There's a lot of good people in Salford. The majority of people are good. We wanted to show our support for his family and friends”.
Another resident, Maralyn Suthers, who stood with her husband holding a candle, said: “It's just very sad. I just wanted to show solidarity with his family and friends and with the community. It's not the community that's to blame. I'd like to see something set up in his name”.
Julie Harper said: “It's a tragedy. It should not have happened and we wanted just to give a little support to show that we do not condone it.”
“The majority of people in Ordsall are nice people. I've lived here all my life. People will lay flowers there for him forever”.
John Merry, leader of Salford City Council, said: “I am anxious people see the good side of Salford that's been shown tonight. We have had a very positive response from the community, paying their respect to the memory of Mr. Bidve”.
Senior Labour MP Keith Vaz, who attended the vigil said: “I have been very impressed with the local people and the way they have come out”.
