As part of an international manhunt, two Indian nationals were arrested in Upper Austria for allegedly chasing and brutally killing a fellow countryman in Britain last August, along with seven accomplices. The two had tried to gain asylum from us.
The two Indian nationals are suspected of brutally murdering another Indian national along with seven other Indians on August 21, 2023, in Shrewsbury, Shropshire county in the United Kingdom, which borders Wales. On the morning of the crime, they chased a package delivery man in two vehicles, each with four people inside, and parked next to him when he stopped his vehicle.
Brutal murder
However, the victim noticed his pursuers and attempted to escape them on foot, with the two suspects now arrested in Austria running after him and wrestling him to the ground. Together with the other six murder suspects, they beat and stabbed him with weapons, axes, golf clubs, shovels and knives that they brought with them. The victim died just minutes after the attack due to numerous stab and laceration wounds and a massive skull fracture with brain leakage.
Five accomplices already convicted
The Major Investigations Unit of West Mercia Police in Shropshire County set up “Operation Columbia” to investigate the criminal case and was able to track down and arrest five suspects in the UK as part of the extensive murder investigation.
According to the BBC, British investigators still do not know the exact motive, but emphasize that it was not a robbery.
For murder and manslaughter
The perpetrators have already been convicted of murder (each up to 28 years in prison) and one perpetrator has already been sentenced to ten years in prison for manslaughter. The remaining four suspects managed to escape, although based on the investigation’s findings it was suspected that one suspect had a possible connection with Upper Austria. That is why the target group of the State Criminal Investigation Department of Upper Austria was contacted. Interpol Vienna.
Duo wanted to get asylum
Through extensive investigation, the target investigators managed to identify and investigate the suspect with a possible connection to Upper Austria, as well as another suspect who accompanied him (it was not initially suspected to be in Austria). Both tried to obtain asylum in Austria by using alias data. In close consultation with the local public prosecutor’s office in Ried/Innkreis, a house search was initiated, international arrest warrants were applied for and close contacts were maintained with the investigative authorities of West Mercia with a view to exchanging information.
Successful teamwork
Due to the complex nature of the case, four investigators from ‘Operation Columbia’ were sent to Upper Austria in the presence of the British Police Liaison Officer to intensify the exchange of criminal information. International requests for legal assistance from the Ministry of Justice have enabled them to be present during the completion of the search, arrests, searches and seizure of objects and clothing relevant to the crime.
Sensational case
After extensive searches, the two Indian citizens suspected of murder were arrested in Hohenzell on May 20, 2024 and taken to Ried im Innkreis prison for extradition. The professional and rapid attack made resistance impossible and further escape unthinkable. The investigation into this murder case through ‘Operation Columbia’ attracted a lot of media attention in Great Britain and is being processed by the BBC as part of ‘true crime stories’.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
