A newsagent who died being stabbed in a ‘violent robbery’ has been named and pictured for the first time. Ravi Katharkamar, 54, was murdered yesterday morning as he opened Marsh Food and Wine in Pinner, north west London. He died after being stabbed in the chest, police confirmed.
The attacker stole the till from Ravi’s shop, which contained only a few pounds worth of coins. DCI Simon Stancombe said Ravi’s death has left his family ‘utterly devastated’.
He appealed for information and added: ‘I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a black Vauxhall Astra that was driven away at speed south down Cecil Park immediately after the attack. ‘We think that car was parked in Cecil Park prior to the murder – if you saw this, or have any other information that could help us progress this investigation, I would urge you to get in contact.’ CCTV footage showed a man arrive outside a row of shops on Marsh Road in a white car before he exited on foot.
Shortly after, another car arrived at the scene. The man left the shot before returning to his vehicle and leaving. Kirit Dodiya, 49, his shop landlord said he was a ‘top guy’ and complete’ gentleman. He added: ‘It was such a shock for me personally, I spoke to him on Friday.
‘He was always smiling, always. You would walk into the shop and he would offer you something always.’ Police were called to the newsagents around 6am Sunday morning, and despite best efforts the victim was pronounced dead 45 minutes later.
Police have made no arrests so far and have appealed to the public for information. Anyone with information can also contact the incident room number on 0208 358 0200, via 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD1653/24Mar. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
