Shock In UK: Stranger Walks Free After Punching Indian-Origin Man To Death

A 33-year-old Indian-origin man, Amarpal Atkar, lost his life after being punched twice in the head by a stranger, Thomas Coleman, during an altercation outside a Birmingham bar.

Despite the fatal attack, Coleman was not found guilty of any offence, as reported by India Today.

The incident occurred in the early hours of July 31, 2021, outside the Be At One bar on Stephenson Street. Atkar, a financial services officer from Oldbury, West Midlands, had a reputation as a local celebrity at the bar. He taunted Coleman, calling him 'Ed Sheeran' and a 'ginger t***' after a minor collision, , as reported by India Today.

In response, Coleman punched Atkar, causing him to fall. Although bouncers briefly restrained Coleman, they let him go. Atkar, who was on his phone, followed Coleman, saying, "He's here, come quick".

A second confrontation took place near Birmingham New Street station. Atkar attempted to punch Coleman but was countered with a second punch from Coleman, resulting in a fatal brain injury. Atkar was found unresponsive and later died in hospital.

Coleman fled the scene but was later found at the Grand Hotel and arrested by police, initially on suspicion of murder. However, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to charge him, a decision that was upheld after a review requested by Atkar's family,, as reported by India Today.

Coroner Louise Hunt ruled out unlawful killing, concluding that Coleman acted in self-defence. "It is regrettable that Mr. Coleman decided to use such force to respond to the verbal altercation as this did result in the death of Mr. Atkar," she stated.

Despite the family's feelings of being "let down by the justice system", the inquest concluded that Coleman was trying to protect himself, as per media reports.

Atkar's family described him as "the happiest and most sociable person one could ever meet," noting that he was a devoted son, a loving brother, and an amazing uncle. They expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that there is a void left by his absence that no one can fill.