Family of 9-year-old Keralite girl in London with bullet lodged in brain speak out amid deportation fears

LONDON March 9: The family of a nine-year-old Keralite girl who was left with a bullet lodged in her brain after being caught in the crossfire of a gangland shooting in Hackney say their lives have been “shattered” and fear they could be deported from the UK.

Speaking anonymously to ITV News London in their first interview since the incident, the schoolgirl’s parents described the devastating impact the attack has had on their family.

“We lost our child and she’s not coming back,” her father said. “It has shattered our life and we can never put it back the way it was before.”

The girl was shot in the head when a gunman on a motorbike fired six bullets into Evin Restaurant on Kingsland High Street in Dalston on May 29, 2024. She had been sitting with her family when one of the bullets struck her.

The family had travelled from Birmingham to visit London but became innocent victims of a violent feud between rival Turkish gangs in north London. The gunman has never been caught.

“It was just a gang war for them,” her father said. “I don’t know what benefit they get from this, but it destroys ordinary people’s lives in a fraction of a second.”

The intended targets were three men seated at a nearby table. All were injured in the shooting and are believed to be linked to the Hackney Turks organised crime group, which has an ongoing rivalry with the Tottenham Turks.

The injured men were taken to the Royal London Hospital, where they underwent surgery for gunshot wounds to the thigh, leg and backbone.

Javon Riley, 33, from Tottenham, who acted as the hired spotter and getaway driver and had links to the Tottenham Turks, was later convicted at the Old Bailey. He was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent against the girl and attempting to murder the three men. Riley was jailed for life with a minimum term of 34 years.

However, the gunman who fired the shots remains at large.

Recalling the moment the shooting began, the girl’s mother said she initially thought the noise was fireworks or a motorbike.

“Suddenly there was a lot of noise and chaos,” she said. “I went under the table and she went under the couch. People were running everywhere.

“Then I realised she was injured. There was blood all around her.”

Following the shooting, the girl underwent several intensive operations at Great Ormond Street Hospital, with the first taking place the day after the attack.

Her parents say their daughter, once a “cheerful girl” who took part in choir, gymnastics, fencing and swimming clubs, is now unable to walk or speak.

“She didn’t open her eyes. She didn’t talk,” her father said. “Those were the worst days of our life — seeing our daughter lying there not knowing what would happen next.”

The family say their view of London has also changed. What was meant to be a holiday is now tied to trauma.

“It was my child’s dream to have an ice cream near London Bridge,” her father said. “Families come here believing they are protected by the law and the police — that at least they will be safe.”

As they face years of rehabilitation and therapy for their daughter, the family say they are also living with the fear that they could lose their home and be deported to India because of visa uncertainties.

“We are dealing with the constant fear and ambiguity of changing rules and visa processes,” the father said. “It puts immense pressure on us — something completely beyond our control.

“We want to stay here only for our child’s healthcare, education, her life and her future.”

Speaking after Riley’s conviction at the Old Bailey, the Metropolitan Police said finding the gunman remains a top priority.

Detective Inspector Ben Dalloway, who led the investigation, said on August 18, 2025: “Javon Riley’s actions traumatically altered the trajectory of a little girl’s life.

“While this outcome provides a sliver of justice, the dangerous individual responsible for pulling the trigger remains on our streets.

“Those who ordered this shooting are part of a highly sophisticated criminal organisation.

“We understand people may be afraid to speak to us, but it is vital that anyone who can help this investigation comes forward.

“Justice must be secured for this little girl and her family.”