Kerala Man Facing Deportation After Stalking London Zoo Colleague

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An Indian national is facing deportation from the United Kingdom after repeatedly stalking and harassing a colleague at the London Zoo.

Asish Jose Paul, 26, originally from Kerala, met Lutaruta Masiulonyte while working at the zoo’s café. Over a six-month period between July 7 and December 30 last year, he sent her flowers, chocolates, and numerous messages, despite her making it clear she did not want contact.

After blocking his phone number, Masiulonyte reported him to the police. Paul, an accountancy student, was first arrested and released on bail on the condition that he would not return to the zoo. He breached this condition the very next day.

He was then re-arrested, charged with stalking, and granted bail with stricter terms, including a ban from entering the Borough of Westminster or contacting Masiulonyte. Despite this, Paul returned to the zoo, resulting in his bail being altered again to prohibit him from going within 50 metres of the premises.

The harassment continued when Paul went back for a third time, telling Royal Park attendants he was “in love” with Masiulonyte and wanted to speak to her. This final breach led to another arrest and a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

In her victim impact statement, Masiulonyte said, “This incident has taken a toll on me emotionally and psychologically. The harassment was going on for so long it drained me. I feel scared and anxious being in London. My friends and family are worried for me and for my safety. I feel anxious all the time. I feel frustrated. I repeated myself so many times I started to question whether I was the problem. I lost my independence through the harassment. I have to rely on someone to be with me to feel safe.”

Along with the suspended sentence, Paul has been ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity and has been given a 10-year restraining order preventing him from contacting Masiulonyte.

Authorities have confirmed that Paul could now be deported from the UK after admitting to stalking involving serious alarm or distress. The case underscores concerns over repeated breaches of court orders and the continued impact on victims even after legal measures are put in place.