Family Of Shot Student To Visit Parliament

The family of an Indian student killed on Boxing Day are visiting Parliament today after criticising the way police have handled the case.

Anuj Bidve, 23, was shot in the head while walking with friends in the Ordsall district of Salford at in the early hours and died later in hospital.

He was visiting the area with friends during a Christmas break from his Lancaster University postgraduate course in microelectronics.

Mr Bidve's father Subhash Bidve, who discovered his son had died on Facebook from his home in Pune, India, has expressed his distress at hearing the news before the British authorities got in contact.

Labour MP Keith Vaz will meet members of the student's family, expected to include mother Yogini Bidve, in Westminster.

"I am pleased to welcome the Bidve family to Parliament," Mr Vaz, who chairs the home affairs select committee of MPs, said.

"They have shown great dignity following the terrible circumstances of their son's death. This must be a very difficult time for them.

"I welcome the fact that Greater Manchester Police has arrested and charged a suspect within seven days of the event and that individual will face a full trial.

"We must reassure foreign students we are doing everything we can to ensure their safety in the UK.

"Following the criminal proceedings it will be extremely helpful if there is a full report into the circumstances of his death."

The family, who were visited in India by officers from Greater Manchester Police earlier this week, are also expected to travel to Manchester.

Kiaran Stapleton has been remanded in custody until March 20 in connection with the investigation.

:: Police have asked anyone with information to call the incident room on 0161 856 5448 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.