The family of a Haryana student stabbed to death in the United Kingdom last week has urged the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to intervene, expedite the investigation, and facilitate the return of his remains to India.

Vijay Kumar, 30, from Jagrambass village in Haryana’s Charkhi Dadri, had been pursuing an MBA at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, since January 2024. His family said they were informed of his death on the evening of November 25.

According to his brother, Ravi Kumar, the news came as a shock as Vijay had “no known enmity” with anyone. The family believes the attack may have involved individuals from Haryana or Punjab, although they shared no confirmed motive.

“Our family is devastated,” Ravi wrote in a formal appeal to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. “We request the Ministry’s support to bring back my brother’s mortal remains for last rites. The foreign legal processes and financial expenses are overwhelming.”

Ravi also sought direct intervention by the Indian High Commission in London, saying the family had received no update from Indian authorities even four days after reaching out. “UK police remain in contact, but we need coordinated support from the High Commission,” he said.

Local representatives have now taken up the family's plea. Charkhi Dadri BJP MLA Sunil Satpal Sangwan wrote to Jaishankar and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday asking for urgent repatriation assistance.

Promising career cut short

The son of an ex-serviceman, Vijay held a Master's degree in Physics from Chandigarh University, completed in 2018. He worked with Haryana’s PWD Department before joining the Central Board of Excise and Customs as an Inspector in 2021.

In late 2024, he resigned from government service to pursue higher education abroad, hoping to eventually settle in the UK. His MBA programme was expected to conclude in May 2026.

Six suspects held, investigation ongoing

In a statement issued Friday, West Mercia Police confirmed that officers found Vijay with critical stab injuries around 4:15 am on November 25 on Barbourne Road in Worcester. He was taken to hospital but succumbed later the same day.

Police said five men were arrested on suspicion of murder and have been released on bail pending further investigation. A sixth suspect has been released without further action.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Holehouse said, “The five men who were arrested on suspicion of murder are now on bail and will continue to help us with our investigation.”

Waiting for answers

For now, Vijay’s family waits — for justice, clarity, and the chance to perform his final rites on home soil.

“We sent him abroad for a better future,” Ravi said, “not to bring him back in a coffin.”