Reward announced for Anuj killer leads

Manchester, Jan 1 (IBNS) Greater Manchester Police are offering a 50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Indian student Anuj Bidve's murder by a gunman on Dec 26.

There are also reports that UK police officials would reach India to meet the victim´s family in Pune.

Assistant Chief Constable Dawn Copley, who has overall command for the operation, said: "I am today [Dec 31] announcing a 50,000 reward for anyone who has information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Anuj Bidve's murder.

"This was an unprovoked, shocking and senseless murder of a young student and we will leave no stone unturned to bring those responsible for his murder to justice," he said.

"50,000 is a lot of money that could change someone's life, so I would appeal to anyone who does have information to come forward and speak to officers in the incident room on 0161 856 5448 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

The UK police on Friday apologised to the father of Indian student Anuj Bidve who found out on Facebook that his son had been shot and killed by a gunman in Manchester a hate crime in a suspected racially motivated crime.

"I want to reassure the family that staff across the whole of Greater Manchester Police are working on this investigation night and day to bring those responsible for Anuj's murder to justice.

"We know that Mr Bidve has spoken to the media about finding out on a social networking site that Anuj had been murdered. Sadly, that was the case. That is not the way anyone should have to find out something so devastating and we completely understand how upset the family are.

"A Family Liaison Officer was quickly put in place after Anuj´s murder who made exhaustive inquiries to try and inform the family and deliver the awful news personally. Unfortunately, as the officer was attempting to contact the family through the right channels, a post was put on Facebook. Social networking is instantaneous and we have no control over when and what people post on such sites, but no-one should hear such tragic news in this way.

"Since then, we have had two Family Liaison Officers in regular contact with Anuj's immediate family and those who speak on his behalf to keep them updated about every step of the progress of the investigation.

"Greater Manchester Police is also working very hard to bring the family over to Manchester as soon as possible. For reasons beyond the family's control, it is unlikely they will be able to do so until early next week so the Force is putting plans in place to send officers to India to offer support," he said.

"We also know Mr Bidve has spoken about the urgency of having his son's body released. We understand how important this is for the family and we are working closely with the coroner to ensure the family can bring Anuj's body home as soon as possible. The body cannot be released at this stage of the investigation but we are doing everything we can to respect the family's wish.

"We have bailed a 16-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys arrested on suspicion of murder pending further inquiries. This is a complex, fast-moving investigation and two people remain in custody so I cannot comment any further on the investigation.

"I would however appeal to anyone who knows anything to come forward as your information could be vital to helping us identify who was responsible for Anuj´s murder and give the family the answers they deserve," he said.

Earlier, Chief Superintendent Kevin Mulligan, divisional commander for Salford, said though there is clear motive for the senseless murder of Anuj, and there is no definitive evidence pointing to it being racially-motivated, they are "treating this as a hate crime based on the growing perceptions within the community it was motivated by hate."

Anuj was a student visiting Manchester with a group of friends and was making his way into the city centre when he was confronted by the gunman who, after a very brief conversation, produced the weapon and shot him.