UKNIP247 
Detectives have successfully pieced together crucial evidence from CCTV footage to identify a suspect involved in the tragic killing of Arpith Mandava. The 24-year-old lost his life after a violent altercation between two groups of men in the early hours of October 14, 2022.
Arpith Mandava was fatally stabbed following an argument that escalated near Beavers Lane. Earlier that night, he had been attacked in the heart and left arm in Earl Haig Close. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Arpith succumbed to his injuries on October 27, 2022.
After a trial at Kingston Crown Court, two men faced justice for their roles in the incident:
- Denis Ivanov: Found guilty of murdering Arpith Mandava and stabbing another man who was also injured during the attack. Ivanov was also charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
- Denis Kusins: Found guilty of manslaughter, actual bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Detectives meticulously reviewed CCTV footage from 71 cameras to piece together the events leading up to the fatal encounter. Here’s what they discovered:
- Arpith and his friends were in the area to purchase alcohol.
- Two members of Arpith’s group visited a shop in Cavendish Parade to buy alcohol.
- On their way back from the shop, they encountered Arpith’s attackers, who forcibly took the alcohol.
- Arpith and his friends intervened, leading to a heated argument. Eventually, both groups dispersed.
The critical moment unfolded on camera: Denis Ivanov approached Denis Kusins, requesting a knife. Armed with the weapon, Ivanov attacked Arpith and the other victim. The assailants then fled in opposite directions.
Ivanov’s actions didn’t go unnoticed. CCTV footage captured him attempting to enter a nearby petrol garage on Burns Way. His handprint on the glass door became a key piece of evidence.
On October 16, Ivanov fled the UK via Eurostar, making his way to Paris. However, French authorities apprehended him on October 25, and he was extradited back to London.
Kusins, who had supplied Ivanov with the knife, was arrested on October 22.
Detective Inspector Kevin Martin, who led the investigation, praised the tireless efforts of his team. “Our commitment to justice knows no bounds,” he stated. “We will continue to pursue those responsible for such senseless acts.”
