Brutal 2003 Attack: Acton Dad’s Murder Case Reopened
Police have returned to Acton High Street, handing out leaflets and hunting for new leads in the shocking murder of Rajesh Verma. The dad-of-two was viciously attacked 20 years ago, but only now has the case been officially classified as murder.
Chilling Details of the Attack
- Rajesh, known as “Raj”, was set upon by up to eight men near Acton Park on 31 August 2003.
- One of the attackers stabbed him in the head with garden shears found at the scene.
- The assault left Raj, then 42, with severe brain damage.
- Despite a police probe in 2003, no arrests were made.
- Raj battled epilepsy and suffered a heart attack in 2015 that worsened his brain injury.
- He died in May 2018 after years of suffering.
£20,000 Reward and Fresh Investigation
After a 2019 inquest ruled Raj’s death an unlawful killing linked to the 2003 attack, Homicide detectives are back on the case. The Met’s Specialist Crime Command is offering £20,000 to anyone who can help nail the culprits.
“The attack on Raj involved ferocious violence by a group of men, one stabbing him in the head with garden shears,” said Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall. “We believe Raj was attacked after he intervened in a dispute. The suspects are believed to be local, of East African appearance, and likely still connected to Acton.”
“This is a shocking crime. I am confident that people talked about it. We need your call to bring justice for Raj’s family.”
Anyone with information should call detectives on 020 8785 8099 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-org.uk.
Family’s Heartbreaking Tribute
Raj’s wife, Roma Verma, said: “Our children were just 11 and 13 when their lives were shattered. We cared for Raj at home, despite him being unable to speak, move, or respond. We hoped every day.”
“The random, brutal assault left a huge gap in our hearts. Raj was generous and protective, loved by the whole community. Hundreds, including homeless people and local business owners, paid respects at his funeral.”
This case shows that even decades later, cold cases can be cracked. Now the hunt is on to bring Rajesh Verma’s killers to justice once and for all.
