Queensland detectives in Toyah Cordingley death could assist in Point Cook woman Chaithanya ‘Swetha’ Madghagen case

A federal MP has implored Victorian police to engage detectives from Queensland over the alleged killing of a Melbourne mum, likening the case to the murder of Toyah Cordingley.

Forensic police remove evidence from a property in Point Cook after a body was found in Buckley. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

A federal MP has implored Victoria police to engage homicide detectives from Queensland over the alleged killing of a Melbourne mum, likening the case to the murder of Toyah Cordingley.

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said the shocking discovery of Chaithanya ‘Swetha’ Madghagen’s body inside a wheelie bin, west of Geelong, could prove to have “many comparisons” to the case that gripped the sunshine state.

He was heavily involved in assisting government bureaucrats’ work with Indian authorities in the search for and extradition of Rajwinder Singh, who is alleged to have murdered Cairns woman, Ms Cordingley, on a Far North Queensland beach in October 2018.

Chaithanya Madhagani (Swetha) was found in a wheelie bin west of Geelong. Source: Facebook

The Indian national boarded a flight to India the following day, with Queensland police spending years trying to locate him and extradite him to Australia to stand trial.

It’s believed Ms Madghagen’s husband, Ashok Raj Varikuppala, had flown back to India in ­recent days with the couple’s son Arya, 3.

It is understood he rang family in Victoria and gave them information about her death.

Indian police say he then handed their son to the dead woman’s mother in India and “left”.

Mr Entsch said finding Mr Raj Varikuppala to ask questions would be difficult.

Warren Entsch during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“At least they have a head start here, they know who he is, they know his family, they obviously know where his son is,” he said.

“They need to make sure when they put in the extradition order that they have everything lined up so there can be no arguments.

“As I discovered, Indian authorities can be very, very difficult to get extradition arrangements.

“Nevertheless, we were able to show that if you provide the right evidence then the Indian authorities will work very quickly.”

Ms Cordingley’s alleged killer will stand trial in Cairns in July, five years after her death.

She was killed while walking her dog on Wangetti Beach.

Mr Entsch said it would be “very prudent” for Victorian detectives to fly to Brisbane and Cairns to discover what was involved in the Cordingley investigation.

“There could be so many comparisons to Toyah’s case, and it is so recent,” he said.

“India (authorities) can be very difficult but they can be cooperative if you get everything right.

“The poor Point Cook woman, just heinous.”

Toyah Cordingley, 24, was killed on a Far North Queensland beach in October 2018. Picture: Supplied

Victoria Police have so far refused to confirm whether or not Mr Varikuppala was a suspect, or if they would be seeking an extradition.

A police statement said on Thursday they did wish to speak to a 38-year-old Point Cook man “who is the husband of the woman.”

“We understand this man remains off shore at this time.”

“Due to the seriousness of the matter, there is much we unfortunately cannot comment on as we don’t want to jeopardise the ongoing investigation,” the statement read.

“This includes information about any ongoing inquiries or liaison with any other agencies here in Australia or internationally, or any liaison with the victim’s family.”

Any extradition order would need be processed through the Attorney-General, as it was in the Cordingley case.

“The Attorney-General was brilliant to deal with when it came to Toyah,” Mr Entsch said.

Australian Federal Police said it was also aware of the ­investigation.

It comes after startling claims by Mr Varikuppala’s father were reported in India.

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Originally published as Queensland detectives in Toyah Cordingley death could assist in Point Cook woman Chaithanya ‘Swetha’ Madghagen case