The heartbroken mother of a teenager brutally murdered with a ninja sword has expressed profound gratitude as the law is set to change in her son’s memory. Pooja Kanda, whose 16-year-old son Ronan fell victim to a fatal attack with a 20-inch blade due to mistaken identity, revealed to The Mirror the significance of Ronan’s Law, which is anticipated to be life-saving. The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, unveiled plans at the Labour Party Conference to prohibit the sale of such hazardous weapons, including machetes and zombie knives.
One of the 16-year-old assailants of Ronan had effortlessly purchased the deadly sword online under his mother’s identity and retrieved it on the day of Ronan’s tragic murder in June 2022. Pooja emphasised the importance of Ronan’s Law, stating, “It means the world to me. It means that this Government is listening, and this Government wants to make the change happen. They want these UK streets to be safe for everyone else. That means the world to me.”
Since the loss of her son, who aspired to become a lawyer and was slain on his way back from a friend’s place, Pooja has been steadfast in her efforts to advocate for legislative change. Shocked by the revelation during the trial that the culprit had procured not only the murder weapon but also 25 other dangerous blades online, Pooja conveyed her dismay at how easily her son’s killer had obtained weapons, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations.
Ronan’s sister, Nikita, revealed their exposure to the world of easily accessible weapons online and expressed disbelief at the teenager’s obsession with such instruments of harm. She stressed the significance of banning these weapons to prevent individuals from fixating on them through social media. Nikita reasoned that restricting access to such lethal weapons is a matter of common sense to safeguard communities.
Pooja, devastated by the tragedy that claimed her son’s life, continues to grapple with the incomprehensible loss. Recounting Ronan’s character, she described him as a remarkable, compassionate, and bright teenager who dreamt of becoming a lawyer to uphold truth and justice. She shared how his presence illuminated every room he entered with his charismatic aura and recounted anecdotes of his kindness and courage in standing up against bullying.
Throughout her advocacy campaign, Pooja has encountered numerous families affected by knife crime, which fuels her determination to push for change and prevent further tragedies. At the Labour Party Conference, her poignant plea resonated, shedding light on the devastating impact of knife crime on families and communities. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged Pooja’s unwavering dedication to fighting for justice and pledged government support in the ongoing battle to save young lives.
As Pooja and her family continue to seek justice for Ronan and strive to prevent future tragedies, her resilience and advocacy serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against knife crime. The impending implementation of Ronan’s Law stands as a testament to the power of a grieving mother’s relentless pursuit of justice and safety for all.