Dozens of mourners pay respects to man, 50, murdered in ‘violent homophobic attack’ in East London Cemetery

Dozens of mourners gathered in an East London cemetery on Tuesday (October 12) in memory of a 50-year-old man who was murdered in a violent homophobic attack.

Ranjith ‘Roy’ Kankanamalage, a gay man, was found on Thursday, August 16 in Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park with fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination confirmed Ranjith had died from blunt-force trauma to the head.

His murder has ripped through the LGBTQ+ community and Tower Hamlets locals, where he had lived for many years.

READ MORE:Police offer £20,000 reward after ‘homophobic murder’ in East London cemetery

The vigil was organised by Let Voice Be Heard, a Bangladeshi Human Rights Group who campaign for the rights of LGBTQ+ people of Bangladesh, Pakistani and Indian origin here in the UK and their home countries

People fear the perpetrator, or perpetrators, could strike again and are calling on the public to come forward if they know any information regarding the tragedy.

Members of a Persian LGBT group had travelled from Birmingham to pay their respects, while Tower Hamlets Councillor, Kevin Brady and close friends also made touching tributes.

Flowers and candles were laid in front of framed photographs of Ranjith – brought along by close friends.

Two LGBTQ+ flags were flown high in the wind, as police stood at the back of the vigil handing out police appeals about the murder.

The vigil was organised by Let Voice Be Heard, a Bangladeshi Human Rights Group who campaign for the rights of LGBTQ+ people of Bangladesh, Pakistani and Indian origin here in the UK and their home countries.

Police have so far arrested no one for the

Police have so far arrested no one for the “horrendous” murder, but have issued CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to

Persian LGBT founder, Mazyar Shirali said: “Enough is enough – how long do we have to face this?

“Here even in the UK do we have to face this? We face it enough from our own communities. We still have it. We’re still paying, we’re all in pain. Enough.

“Homophobia is rising, be aware of it.. we are divided, let’s face the facts. Let’s do something about it, it’s the 21st century… It’s painful, I’m angry, I’m so upset.”

Simon, a close friend of Ranjith’s, spoke poignantly about his friend’s life and the devastating circumstances it ended in.

Simon said: “He came here 12 years ago for a better life for his family, like so many people – If you were lucky enough to know him, he changed your life.

“He was a special lad and these circumstances are something no one should have to go through.”

Ranjith began life in the UK as a student and would send money back home to help support his family. Simon added that Ranjith’s relatives are going through a really tough time at the moment.

The LGBTQ+ community is devastated by Ranjith's death and want justice

The LGBTQ+ community is devastated by Ranjith’s death and want justice

Simon continued: “He was an amazing man, and he should still be with us now and we have to find out who did this. Thank you for coming together in his memory.”

Another close friend tearfully said: “Ranjith was our dear friend and we miss him terribly, he was a person like you and I who had dreams and aspirations.

“Ranjith was a kind and generous soul who arrived from Sri Lanka 12 years ago to further his studies and support his family. It is difficult to process and comprehend what has happened, but we hope justice is served to whoever carried out this devastating crime.”

Police have so far made no arrests for the “horrendous” murder, but have issued CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to, who were walking past the cemetery at the time of the attack.

The first of the two possible witnesses is described as medium build, with short, light-coloured hair, wearing a dark t-shirt, light blue shorts, dark brown trainers and carrying a black backpack.

The second person is also of medium build but with short dark hair, wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.

The Met has also offered a £20,000 award for anyone with information that could lead to identification and conviction of Ranjith’s killer.

The LGBTQ+ community is devastated by Ranjith's death and want justice.

The LGBTQ+ community is devastated by Ranjith’s death and want justice

Cllr Brady said: “Hate crime is rising, we’ve seen so many attacks on the LGBTQ+ community recently, and that I think is a really terrifying thing and it feels like more than ever, we do need to come together as a community and stand up against this.

“It does feel very much to me that there’s a bit of a culture war at the moment where the LGBTQ+ community are being used as bait and I don’t think that is acceptable.

“We need to come together as a community, we need to stand up against that and say we won’t tolerate this sort of behaviour. We won’t tolerate murders, we won’t tolerate attacks. There is no place for hate.”

A tribute at the scene read: “So sorry to hear what happened to you Roy, we will honour your memory by doing all we can to ensure Tower Hamlets is safe for all the LGBTQ+ residents and visitors – rest in perfect peace.”

Anyone with information should contact 101, giving the reference 1277/16AUG

Did you know Ranjith? Would you like to pay tribute? Contact Ruby at [email protected]

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https://www.mylondon.news/news/east-london-news/dozens-mourners-pay-respects-man-21840708

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