Widow of man found dead next to M54 pleads for new information
The widow of a father found dead next to the M54 said she believes her husband was killed accidentally and has urged anyone with information to come forward.
Surjit Takhar was aged 37 when reported missing in October 8, 2008, however his remains were not found until August 20, 2015 when maintenance workers discovered them next to Junction 4 of the M54, near Shifnal in Shropshire.
And now his wife Lavina Sohl has pleaded with the public to come forward for the sake of her children.
Following detailed forensic investigation, West Midlands Police revealed they were launching a murder enquiry in December last year.
Speaking to BBC’s Crimewatch Roadshow, Ms Sohl said: “To be told his remains had been there for a long time, my emotions went from anger to guilt at the fact I thought in my head he’d just left us.
“I still feel guilt to be honest.
“What’s happened is something’s gone wrong somewhere.
“I don’t think they’ve meant to have done it. It was an accident. I honestly think there is going to be a result at the end of this. Somebody will be caught for what they’ve done.”
The couple from Oldbury had twin daughters, Sohnia and Sohnay. Mr Takhar also had a son, Harry.
They were married for 14 years, but had split up two days before the former delivery driver went missing.
Ms Sohl added: “Someone out there, for my children’s sake and for my sake, if you know anything, no matter how small it is, please let the police or somebody know.
“They’ve lived without a father for all these years without any answers.
“I just want what’s best for them, all of us and for Surjit to rest in peace.”
West Midlands Police are keen to gather information on Mr Takhar’s lifestyle, particularly the temple he visited in Birmingham. While they also want to trace an anonymous call made to the crime team in January.
Detective Inspector Jim Munro, from force CID at West Midlands Police, said: “We are keen to speak to anybody who may well have seen suspicious activity around October 2008.
“We’re really, really keen to speak to anybody who has specific information regarding his disappearing.
“Particularly where he regularly frequented the temple in Soho Road in the centre of Birmingham. That’s really key for us.
“On January 25 we had somebody contact the information centre, an anonymous male, with specific information but that person unfortunately was cut off before getting through to the investigation team.
“I’m urging that person to come forward now in the strictness of confidence.”
Anyone with information should call detectives on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
