DUNEDIN, New Zealand — A man on trial for the murder of Gurjit Singh is accused of lying to investigators and leaving DNA evidence at the crime scene, according to the Crown. The defendant, identified only as Rajinder, stands accused of killing Singh, who was found dead in his front yard in January 2024 after suffering over 40 stab wounds.
During closing arguments, prosecutor Richard Smith urged the jury to consider the overwhelming evidence against Rajinder. He pointed to forensic analysis indicating that blood samples from the scene bore a far greater likelihood of belonging to Rajinder rather than an unidentified individual. “The evidence includes his blood and hair found at the scene, as well as in the victim’s hands,” Smith stated. He also highlighted a pivotal point: Rajinder was caught searching for directions to Singh’s home on the night of the murder while claiming ignorance of its location.
Smith took issue with inconsistencies in Rajinder’s account of how he sustained a hand injury around the time of the murder. Initially, Rajinder claimed it was a chainsaw accident, which later shifted to a bike crash. However, the prosecutor argued that the nature of the wound appeared to be consistent with a sharp object, rather than the injuries one would expect from either type of accident. A medical professional also expressed skepticism regarding Rajinder’s explanation, noting the lack of typical abrasions one might expect from a fall.
The Crown further contended that Rajinder’s motives were fueled by personal grievances. Just days before Singh’s death, Singh’s wife was scheduled to arrive from India, a situation made tense by Rajinder’s previous romantic interest in her and his proposal, which she had declined. Additionally, Singh had rejected a plan proposed by Rajinder to marry his sister, further establishing a motive for the alleged crime.
As the trial progressed, Smith described the attack as “brutal and determined,” asserting that the murderer was familiar with Singh and intent on inflicting harm. It was suggested that Rajinder had premeditated the act, purchasing gloves and a knife shortly before the attack. Notably, a glove thumb was discovered at the crime scene, apparently dislodged during the violent confrontation.
Rajinder’s alibi also came under scrutiny, particularly his claims about visiting Mosgiel for a driving lesson with his wife. The prosecution noted that data from her phone only documented trips to the area on the day before and the day of Singh’s death, casting doubt on his explanation that her lessons were related to the timeline of the events.
The defense is expected to present its closing arguments later today as the trial continues to unfold, drawing the community’s attention to the harrowing circumstances surrounding Singh’s untimely death. The case has raised questions not just about the alleged murder but also about underlying social dynamics that may have played a significant role in this tragedy.