Police told to reinvestigate complaints over handling of father's death

Harbans Lal was knocked down as he crossed the road in Wolverhampton Street, Darlaston , in December 2010.

The 61-year-old, who had lived in Heathfield Lane, suffered shock and died after his right lower leg was severed.

He also suffered fractures, bruises and abrasions.

Mr Lal's daughter Jasvinder Devi has alleged that West Midlands Police failed to conduct a fair and proportionate investigation.

Ms Devi claimed she was also lied to on a series of matters and was refused access to the police case file.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has now ruled that the police force had investigated a general complaint of hers regarding the investigation, but not addressed specific points.

A letter to Ms Devi from the IPCC said the investigation report also provided 'no detail, reason or rationale' for how the investigating officer arrived at the decision not to uphold the complaint.

In the letter, casework manager for the IPCC, Sarah Turner said: "I have directed that West Midlands Police re-investigate your complaints; it is mandatory for West Midlands Police to comply with this direction.

"I have made a recommendation that the information is provided to you in order that you can make a fully informed complaint and discuss the complaint with the investigating officer."

At Mr Lal's inquest, the motorcyclist said he had come out in front of him at the last second and he no chance to do anything.

Coroner Robin Balmain ruled it was an accident that happened due to a combination of the motorcyclist not taking 'appropriate precautions' and Mr Lal not taking 'sufficient care'.

Ms Devi, of Kingston upon Thames, said she hoped she would now get the answers she needed.

She said: "I hope that West Midlands Police will do a thorough and proper investigation into my complaints. I hope I can have my father's fatal file.

"It will show exactly what investigation they did."

Chief inspector Darren Walsh, from West Midlands Police's professional standards department, said the IPCC had asked the authority to revisit its professional standards inquiry into complaints about the original police investigation into the collision which killed Mr Lal and the conduct of its officers during that time.

He said: "As these complaints are now being reinvestigated, it would be inappropriate to comment further until we have completed our inquiries."

Mr Lal had worked for copper tube manufacturers Mueller Europe Ltd in Bilston for more than 30 years.