Killed Ilford rough sleeper was set to return to India
A HOMELESS man left for dead in a brutal attack, had his heart set on returning home to India to escape his life on the streets.
A HOMELESS man left for dead in a brutal attack, had his heart set on returning home to India to escape his life on the streets.
Harbarjan Singwas “unhappy and tired” of years spent sleeping rough in Ilford.
The 31-year-old’s body was found by police on September 9 near Buckingham Road Cemetery, Buckingham Road, Ilford.
He died as a result of blunt trauma to the head and neck.
Two other homeless men were found injured nearby and they remain in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
A friend of Mr Multani, who was too scared to give his name, said: “He was a very nice person. He was an honest man and had a lot of friends.”
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The man, who had been friends with Mr Multani for 10 years, added: “He was going to go back to Punjab, India to be with his mum, brother and sister.
“He had nowhere to live and was struggling too much. He was unhappy and tired.
“He had had enough and wanted to go back home.”
Mr Multani had been homeless for more than seven years and slept rough near Buckingham Road Cemetery and other areas along High Road, Ilford.
He did occasional work, including painting and clearing building sites, but never had enough money to afford to rent a room.
Another friend, who was also too scared to give his name, said: “The whole community is shocked by this. We are all very upset.”
At about 1am on Thursday a 58-year-old man was found in High Road, Ilford, with serious injuries and at 3.30pm that same day, police discovered an injured 42-year-old near Buckingham Road Cemetery.
A further search of the area led to police finding the body of Mr Multani at about 8pm.
Police believe all three men were attacked on September 8 between 11pm and midnight.
Detectives have yet to track down Mr Multani’s next of kin.
Jaswinder Singh, 47, of Town Road, Enfield, appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
No bail application was made and he was remanded in custody.
He will next appear in court for a plea and case management hearing on December 21.
