Sussex Police accused of failings over 8-year-old's murder in 1981
Vishal Mehrotra disappeared shortly after Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding
Last updated 19th Apr 2023
The family of an eight-year-old boy found murdered in woodland near Chichester more than 40 years ago has accused police of not fully investigating his death.
Vishal Mehrotra disappeared as he walked home in Putney in west London on the day of the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana in July 1981.
His remains were found in woodland in Rogate, seven months after he disappeared.
No-one has ever been convicted of Vishal's murder.
A BBC investigation has now described the uncovering of new evidence which links his death with possible links to a paedophile gang.
In an interview with the corporation, Vishal's father Vishambar Mehrotra, said:
"I believe the police were aware of his whereabouts.
"I believe the police could have properly questioned him, but again nothing happened.
"I can't forgive them for their inaction."
A Sussex Police spokesperson said the case has been the subject of enquiries since Vishal's disappearance.
"In 2005 a Review was carried out at a stage when the force's approach to formal examination of unresolved major cases was still in development.
"The case has since been on our Crime Review Team’s schedule of unresolved major cases which are assessed every two years, to examine any new information that has been provided, or to consider advances in investigative techniques, that would make a re-investigation viable.
"In 2015 we also carried out a further and comprehensive Review which concluded that there remained no evidence to show who was responsible for Vishal's death.
"Our officers have visited Vishal’s father several times in recent years to discuss the case and we of course listen carefully and seek to respond to any concerns he expresses.
"Mr Mehrotra has been advised that at this time, there are no proportionate or viable lines of enquiry to be followed up in this investigation.
"All unresolved murders, including that of Vishal Mehrotra, are subject of regular assessment. In the meantime, we will always examine any suggested new information or forensic opportunities which might lead to new lines of enquiry whenever they arise."