Toyah Cordingley murder: Indian authorities ramp up hunt for Rajwinder Singh as extradition looms

A major breakthrough in the investigation into the brutal killing of a young Far North woman has been revealed, as her family reconciles a fourth year without their “spirited” daughter.

A major breakthrough in the investigation into the brutal killing of a young Far North woman has been revealed, as her family reconciles a fourth year without their “spirited” daughter.

The Australian Attorney-General’s office confirmed an extradition order had been signed by the Indian Government to bring nurse Rajwinder Singh back to Australia for questioning over her callous slaying.

Federal MP Warren Entsch said it was a “significant step” in the investigation.

Rajwinder Singh, a person of interest in the murder of Toyah Cordingley at Wangetti Beach – Photo Supplied

David Trimble, speaking on behalf of the family, said the development had given them hope the person responsible would soon face justice.

A memorial service has been organised for Ms Cordingley at Wangetti Beach on Friday afternoon, the site of her murder and the same location she buried her beloved cat around six weeks earlier.

“She loved that beach,” she said.

“She could let her dog off the leash and it was a bit isolated, and that’s why she used to go there. About six weeks before her death she buried her cat there, that’s how much she loved that beach and what it meant to her.
“It’s heartbreaking.”

Toyah Cordingley with the pet cat she buried at Wangetti Beach, the same location she was found murdered. Photo: Supplied.

Ms Cordingley, 24, was reported missing after taking her dog for a walk at the remote stretch of sand – about halfway between Cairns and Port Douglas – on October 21, 2018.

It is believed the suspect, Rajwinder Singh, left for India on that same day.

A spokesman for the Attorney-General’s department said the murder investigation was “a high priority” for the federal government, and agencies were working closely with Indian authorities to pursue Mr Singh’s extradition “to enable him to face justice.”

“Indian police are continuing to attempt to locate Mr Singh,” he said.

“However, as a matter of longstanding practice, the Australian Government does not disclose detailed information about the progress of an extradition request until the person is arrested or brought before a court pursuant to a request.”

A memorial service will be held at Wangetti Beach on Friday afternoon to mark four years since her death. Picture Supplied

Mr Entsch said he had received a letter from the Attorney-General’s office confirming the Indian government had accepted the extradition order.

“That was always the challenge, but the family can now be assured they are currently trying to locate this character,” he said.

“The signing of that order is quite a significant step.”

Mr Trimble said it was hard to fathom that on the fourth anniversary of her passing there had been no closure for her family, friends and the wider Far North community.

However, they’ve been buoyed by the revelation that Indian authorities now have the power to make an arrest and transport the suspect to Queensland.

David Trimble. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

“It has come out of the Attorney-General’s office that things are definitely happening, it is getting closer and closer to a result,” he said.

“It’s up to the authorities in India to make an arrest, and that person will be transferred here.”

It comes as the parents of Sunshine Coast boy Daniel Morcombe, taken from a bus stop and murdered in December 2003, reached out to her mum, Vanessa Gardiner, on the eve of the sad milestone.

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Originally published as Toyah Cordingley murder: Indian authorities ramp up hunt for Rajwinder Singh as extradition looms