A heartbroken mother who lost her son to a brutal attack with a ninja sword has expressed gratitude for the impending law change in his memory. Pooja Kanda’s 16-year-old son, Ronan, fell victim to a fatal assault in a case of mistaken identity involving a 20-inch blade. The announcement of Ronan’s Law, which will prohibit the sale of such deadly weapons, has brought some solace to Pooja, who has been campaigning against knife crime since her son’s tragic death in June 2022.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper revealed the government’s plan to ban the sale of dangerous weapons like machetes and zombie knives at the Labour Party Conference. One of Ronan’s assailants, also 16 years old, easily acquired the lethal ninja sword online using his mother’s identification and collected it on the day of the fatal attack. Pooja emphasised the life-saving potential of Ronan’s Law, stating that the government’s commitment to making the streets safer was immensely meaningful to her.
Reflecting on her son’s untimely demise, Pooja recounted the devastation of losing a child for no reason. Ronan, a bright and compassionate young man with aspirations of becoming a lawyer, was described lovingly by his family. They highlighted his academic achievements, his sense of justice, and his ability to bring light into any room with his charisma.
Pooja’s daughter, Nikita, echoed the family’s sentiments, expressing concern over how easily dangerous weapons were accessible to young individuals like her brother’s murderer. She stressed the importance of stricter regulations to prevent tragedies like Ronan’s, advocating for common-sense measures to restrict the availability of deadly weapons in communities.
As Pooja continues her campaign against knife crime, she draws strength from the support of other affected families and the determination to prevent further loss of innocent lives. Her poignant plea for change was recognised at the Labour Party Conference, where she shared the harrowing impact of knife crime on families and urged for decisive action to protect young people.
In a moving tribute to Pooja’s courage and perseverance, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper commended her relentless advocacy for her son and other vulnerable individuals in the face of such unimaginable pain. As efforts to combat knife crime intensify, Pooja remains resolute in her mission to create safer communities and spare other families from experiencing the profound loss she has endured.