UK to Probe Police 'Cover-Up' in Indian-Origin Boy's Death

UK's official police watchdog will investigate allegations that Scotland Yard may have covered up the murder of an Indian-origin boy at the hands of a high- profile child abuse ring in the 80s.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will examine whether corrupt Metropolitan Police officers ignored clues to the death of eight-year-old Vishal Mehrotra in 1981 due to the alleged involvement of influential parliamentarians.

Last November, Vishal's father, retired magistrate Vishambar Mehrotra, had told 'The Telegraph' in an interview that the police deliberately covered up his son's murder.

Vishal was abducted as he walked to his south-west London home after watching the marriage procession of Prince Charles and Diana.

Six months later the young boy's skull and several rib bones were found in a field in Sussex, south England, by pigeon shooters.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "The Met were made aware of a complaint alleging corruption relating to the Met Police's original missing person investigation into the disappearance of Vishal Mehrotra via the press.

"This complaint has been referred to the Met Police's Directorate of Professional Standards. This matter will shortly be referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)."

Speaking to LBC radio after it emerged that the IPCC will investigate his complaint, the boy's father said: "I was very pleasantly surprised because it seems that somebody is taking things a bit seriously for the first time after 33 years.

"It was thanks to the media that something is happening. Whether they uncover something, time will tell."

The new inquiry was opened when an alleged victim came forward claiming to have witnessed three boys being killed, including one allegedly strangled by a Conservative party MP, during a depraved sex game during the 1980s.