Father stabbed to death in revenge attack

A 26-year-old man from Southall has been found guilty of killing his neighbour in a revenge attack.

Father-of-three, Harinder Rattan, 41 died of multiple stab wounds after he was attacked near his home in Clarence Street, Southall, on Sunday, 4 January.

At the Old Bailey Sanjay Salhotra, 26 also of Clarence Street, Southall, was convicted of murder.

Inderjit Bhachu, 28 of Clarence Street, had previously pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

The court heard that the origins of the murder originated from an incident which took place on 20 December 2014.

Harinder Rattan had been sat in his car when the door was opened by a man in a hooded top who struck him in the face and demanded he get out.

Rattan retaliated by hitting him over the head with a crowbar until he ran off.

That man was Sanjay Salhotra and his blood and DNA was found on the crowbar when it was forensically analysed following Mr Rattan's murder.

On the night of his death, Harinder Rattan left his home at about 21:30hrs on 4 January to go to a local shop. It is believed Mr Rattan was attacked sometime later by Salhotra.

The victim was left lying in the road, with Sanjay Salhotra initially hiding in a nearby alleyway and then going to the home of a friend, who let him in after he lied and said that he was chased by some youths.

Bhachu and Salhotra then drove to Staines and set fire to Salhotra's clothing. Bhachu changed out of the clothing he was wearing and when detectives found those items, it was clear that they had been washed.

Police searching the alleyway and found the knife - which had been cleaned and a pair of latex gloves with the DNA of Harinder Rattan on them.

Sanjay was arrested on Monday, 5 January. Bhachu was arrested the following day.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Ashwin, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC), said:

"Harinder Rattan was subjected to a brutal attack for nothing other than for Sanjay Salhotra to save face. Bhachu assisted in the disposing of evidence".

"I am pleased that the jury has found the two men guilty today, and they now face considerable prison sentences. I hope that this brings some sense of justice to Harinder Rattan's family."

Sanjay's brother, Shamaun Salhotra, 29 also of Clarence Street was found not guilty of perverting the course of justice.

Bhachu was found not guilty of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent.

Indejit Bhachu and Sanjay Salhotra will be sentenced on Thursday 6 August

A 20-year-old man who was arrested on Monday, 5 January in connection with the investigation has been released without charge.

4th August 2015