Man accused of Singh murder pleads not guilty

Gurjit Singh.
Gurjit Singh.
The man accused of murdering Gurjit Singh in his Dunedin home has pleaded not guilty.

The 33-year-old technician appeared before the High Court at Dunedin yesterday accused of killing the 27-year-old Pine Hill resident, who was married in India only months before his death.

Mr Singh’s body was discovered at his home on January 29 — the day after the alleged murder — surrounded by broken glass, prompting an extensive police investigation.

Justice Cameron Mander continued name suppression for the defendant for at least two weeks.

Counsel John Westgate said he had sent the police’s disclosed evidence to his client and fair-trial rights might yet be an issue.

If that was not the case, suppression would lapse.

The defendant remained in custody, without an application for bail, and would make another court appearance in April.

Mr Singh’s father Nishan flew from India to New Zealand after hearing of the tragedy.

"The law and order will take the right decision and then they will make sure that the person who is responsible will be punished accordingly," Nishan Singh said.

He wanted to know why his son was killed and "no parent should lose a son" in the way he had, he said.

The Otago Punjabi Foundation Trust set up a Givealittle page to support the family in the aftermath, which generated nearly $46,000 within three weeks.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kallum Croudis said a large team of investigators had worked on the case and he paid tribute to the efforts of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research.

"We wish to thank members of the public for their information and CCTV footage provided, which has helped greatly with the investigation."

rob.kidd@odt.co.nz

 

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