‘Like losing your right hand’: Family of man stabbed to death in Camberwell try to bring him home
The family of a man who was stabbed to death over the weekend have compared losing him to “losing your right hand,” as they try to bring his body home to be buried.
Aravind Sasikumar, 38, was stabbed to death in the early hours of Friday morning at his home in Southampton Way, Camberwell.
His younger brother, Sekhar Sasikumar, 30, who lives in Northampton, said “he loved this country,” and that he was close to getting his UK citizenship.
“We were very close. If anything happened he was the first person I would call,” said Sekhar. “You never think this will happen to you.
“I went to identify him and it was like he was just sleeping there. It didn’t make any sense. I couldn’t stand there for long.”
Aravind’s family want to return him to his home city of Kochi, India. They are fundraising to transport his body and need £25,000 to ensure he gets there.
A post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of stab wounds to the chest.
“My parents were waiting for him to see them,” said Mr Sasikumar. “They hadn’t seen him for 10 years but he was always adamant about getting settled and getting his citizenship before going to visit them.
“He was working in a shop in Peckham and hoped to start his own shop. He played for a cricket club every weekend and always went to temple. He was very religious.
“He was the whole package. A big brother and a friend.”
On Saturday, Salman Salim, 25, also of Southampton Way, was charged with Aravind’s murder.
He has been remanded to next appear at the Old Bailey on September 5, with a trial date for June 10 next year
A statement from the Met said: “Police were called at 1.27am on Friday, June 16, after a man was found with stab injuries outside a residential address in Southampton Way.
“Officers attended, along with the London Ambulance Service. Despite the efforts of emergency services, Aravind, aged 38, died at the scene.”
Pictured top: Aravind Sasikumar, 38, was stabbed to death on Friday morning (Picture: Family handout)
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