Attorney-General says Rajwinder Singh ‘wanted for prosecution’ for Toyah Cordingley’s murder
The Indian Government is hoping to make an arrest over the murder of Toyah Cordingley within weeks, in a stunning revelation on the fourth anniversary of her death.
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THE Indian government is hoping to make an arrest over the murder of Toyah Cordingley within weeks, with a court date already set.
Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said government agencies were working directly with Indian authorities in anticipation of the arrest of Rajwinder Singh, with a court date marked for November 5.
In a statement sent to Federal MP Warren Entsch, and seen by the Cairns Post, Mr Dreyfus confirmed Mr Singh “was wanted for prosecution for the murder of Ms Toyah Cordingley”.
The stunning revelation comes on the fourth anniversary of her brutal slaying on a remote Far North beach.
“I am able to indicate that Australian agencies continue to work closely with the Indian authorities to pursue Mr Singh’s extradition arrest,” he said.
“The Indian extradition court proceedings are next listed for November 5, although the hearing may be postponed if he is not located by then.”
Mr Entsch said the development had provided Ms Cordingley’s grieving family “real hope” the person of interest would soon face justice over the grotesque killing of their daughter.
“They are actively scouring the country looking for this man, and anticipating an arrest,” Mr Entsch said.
“That has given the family a lot of real hope and it shows they really are working towards an outcome.
“It’s the first bit of positive advice that we have received.”
Rajwinder Singh left for India on the same day Ms Cordingley, 24, was reported missing after taking her dog for a walk at Wangetti Beach.
Her body was found by her father the following day.
Mr Entsch said he believed the federal government had offered their Indian counterparts assistance with the search for Mr Singh, who is believed to be hiding among the Sikh community in northern India.
“I believe the offer is there but it is up to the Indian authorities,” he said.
“But their police service would be far more qualified to do it and we shouldn’t underestimate their ability to do their job.
Queensland Police and the Indian government have been contacted for comment but have so far declined to respond.
It comes as friends and family of the “spirited” woman prepared to gather at a special memorial at Wangetti Beach Friday afternoon.
Mr Dreyfus offered his condolences to family and friends “and would like to reassure them that this matter remains a high priority for the government.”
Mr Entsch said every parent on the Indian subcontinent would be horrified at the thought of Ms Cordingley’s murder.
“What if what happened to Toyah happened to their daughters?” he said.
“They would be thinking, are our daughters safe with this bloke on the loose?”
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Originally published as Attorney-General says Rajwinder Singh ‘wanted for prosecution’ for Toyah Cordingley’s murder
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