DUNEDIN, New Zealand — A man accused of murdering Gurjit Singh allegedly left significant physical evidence at the crime scene and misled investigators, according to prosecutors at the High Court. The defendant, who has only been identified as Rajinder, is facing trial for the brutal attack that led to Singh’s death in January of the previous year.
Singh, whose body was discovered outside his home, reportedly suffered over 40 stab wounds. Prosecutor Richard Smith delivered closing arguments asserting the weight of the evidence against Rajinder, claiming that forensic tests indicated blood samples at the scene were 500,000 times more likely to belong to Rajinder than to a random individual.
In his statements, Smith emphasized the DNA evidence found in and around Singh’s residence, including hair belonging to Rajinder that was recovered from Singh’s hands and the traces left behind in the form of a glove thumb found nearby. Evidence also suggested that Rajinder had purchased items consistent with the murder, including a knife and gloves, just a day prior to the alleged attack.
Rajinder’s defense attorney argued that the defendant had no motive for the crime and that there was no conflict between him and Singh. However, the prosecution pointed to a potential motive partially rooted in personal grievances; Singh’s wife was reportedly on her way to New Zealand to live with him, a woman who had previously turned down a marriage proposal from Rajinder. This rejection, alongside another denied proposal involving Singh’s sister, was articulated by the prosecution as a possible motive for the alleged murder.
The timeline surrounding the incident raises further questions, as Smith alleged that Rajinder had initially lied about an injury sustained around the time of the attack. He first claimed it was the result of a chainsaw accident but later changed his story to a bike crash. Smith argued that the nature of the injury was inconsistent with such accidents and instead indicated a possible sharp object injury, reminiscent of the weapon purportedly used in the attack.
Additionally, Rajinder is accused of attempting to fabricate an alibi by claiming to take his wife for driving lessons. However, phone records showed no evidence of regular lessons at the location he specified, suggesting a deliberate effort to mislead investigators.
The prosecution’s portrayal of the murderous act described it as an intimate and ferocious assault, asserting that the perpetrator had a clear understanding of the victim and was determined to ensure Singh met a brutal end. Smith noted that Rajinder actively plotted his route to Singh’s residence, utilizing back roads to avoid detection. This calculated behavior further complicates the defense’s position.
The trial continues as the defense prepares to present its closing arguments, and the jury will soon consider the extensive evidence and conflicting narratives from both sides in this tragic case.