A 45-year-old man has been charged with murdering his estranged wife in front of their young children in the Murray River town of Cobram.
Prem Kumar, from Dandenong, appeared in the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, accused of killing 32-year-old Anu inside her Christie Avenue home early Tuesday morning.
According to reports, Kumar did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody until December.
Emergency services discovered Anu’s body around 5am, with her two sons, aged two and four, nearby but unharmed. Neighbours reported hearing a “thud” in the early hours and later saw the boys riding plastic bikes outside as the tragedy unfolded inside.
Locals told Daily Mail that Anu was “a loving mum” who lived quietly while managing multiple sclerosis. They said concerns about her wellbeing had recently been raised with government services.
Adding to the shock, Kumar allegedly posted disturbing videos to social media just hours after the killing. In the clips, as per Daily Mail, he paraded the children, made them chant, and referred to them as “warriors,” before showing them receiving gifts. Police say he had returned to the home around 1.30 am, despite visiting only occasionally in the past 18 months.
The homicide squad has been collecting evidence at the property and speaking to neighbours as the tight-knit community struggles to come to terms with the tragedy.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas told media that officers faced the difficult task of interviewing the children.
“People should be safe in their homes and relationships. One woman killed in a situation like this is too many,”
he said.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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