POLICE will be in the Acton area today (30) distributing leaflets and appealing for information into the murder of Rajesh Verma.

An investigation was launched in March following the death of the father of two, 15 years after he was brutally attacked in Acton.

Rajesh, known as ‘Raj’, was assaulted by a group of up to eight men, close to the entrance of Acton Park, opposite Birkbeck Grove, on August 31, 2003. 

Raj, 42 at the time suffered severe brain damage. No suspect was arrested or charged at the time.

He was left with ongoing health issues, caused by a stab wound to his head. A set of garden shears was found nearby.

Raj was unable to move or speak for the last 18 months of his life after a subsequent heart attack.

A verdict of unlawful killing was recorded at an inquest in 2019 and the case is now classified as a murder investigation.

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A £20,000 reward is being offered for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Rajesh's killer.

Det Chief Insp Vicky Tunstall said: “We believe Raj was attacked after he intervened in a dispute between one of his friends and another individual.

“The suspects are believed to be local to the Acton area and are likely to still be living there or have links to the area. All were described as being of East African appearance.

“Raj’s family had to care for him for 24 hours a day following this attack and this lasted for 15 years.”

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives on 020 8785 8099 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Raj’s wife, Roma, said the aftermath of the attack had a huge impact on the family.

She said: “Our children were 11 and 13 when their lives were turned upside down.

“Each member of the family helped to care for him. He was unable to think, move, talk or walk, but we still felt he could feel our presence and persevered.

“He was a very popular man in Acton. Hundreds paid their respects at his funeral.”