The death of young Asian student, Lakhvinder ‘Ricky’ Reel in 1997 in Kingston, Surrey was a cruel and traumatic tragedy for his family.

The evidence suggests that Ricky and his friends were racially abused and assaulted. However, there was public dismay and anger at how the police responded to this incident. They expected the case to be investigated thoroughly and without bias but the family experienced a litany of police failures and stereotyping based on their ethnicity. They were left on their own to organize search parties and witness appeals whilst Ricky was missing. Ricky was last seen on a CCTV image discovered by the family.

A week later, on 21 October 1997, Ricky body was discovered in the River Thames, a short distance from where he was last seen.

Even after the discovery of the body, Kingston police did not investigate properly and despite their efforts to gain a verdict of ‘accidental death’ at the Coroner’s court, the jury came to a different conclusion and delivered an ‘open’ verdict. More alarmingly, the Metropolitan police diverted its resources to spy on the Reel family and the Justice for Ricky Reel campaign using undercover police officers. A Public Inquiry established in 2015 by the former Prime Minister, Theresa May, is now examining the unlawful spying of justice campaigns and protest groups. Sadly, no person has been held to account for Ricky’s death or police failures. Over 100,000 people have signed a change.org petition demanding a reinvestigation into his death.

In February this year, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that they are; “now looking more closely at certain lines of inquiry from the original investigation. These lines of inquiry are being followed up with fresh eyes and the benefit of modern technology so we can explore every possible avenue in the hope of providing answers to Ricky’s family”. The Major Inquiries Specialist Casework team is conducting the investigation. In a new book, Ricky Reel: Silence Is Not AN Option, Sukhdev Reel tells a powerful and moving story of Ricky’s life and the struggle for justice. The book will be on sale at the event.

The memorial lectures mark the 25th Anniversary of these tragic events

Bruce McDonald

Bruce McDonald is currently the Leader of Elmbridge Council. At the time of Ricky's death, Brice was Chief Executive of Kingston Council and became an advocate for the family, supporting them in the quest for justice.