A 29-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing a student and injuring another in a Melbourne suburb allegedly admitted his guilt to police, a jury has been told.
Robin Robin is standing trial in Victoria’s Supreme Court over the death of 22-year-old Navjeet Singh and the stabbing of 30-year-old Shawan Singh on 5 May 2024.
As per news.com.au, Robin has pleaded not guilty, facing alternative charges of intentionally causing serious injury and recklessly causing serious injury in relation to Shawan Singh’s injuries.
It is reported that during the trial’s opening on Monday, Crown prosecutor Nadia Kaddeche told the 14-person jury that Robin allegedly attacked his housemate Shawan Singh with a kitchen knife at a rented home in Ormond, before turning on Navjeet Singh, who had intervened.
Ms Kaddeche said the incident followed a party hosted by Robin and his younger brother, Abhijeet Abhijeet, during which tensions rose after Shawan Singh left to play cards at Navjeet Singh’s home in Noble Park.
The brothers allegedly made repeated abusive phone calls demanding Shawan return to collect his belongings.
According to the prosecution, Robin confronted Shawan Singh at the home, threatening him with a knife, and attacked him before stabbing Navjeet Singh.
Further, short clips of footage from a resident’s phone and a passing Uber dashcam were shown in court, reportedly capturing Robin striking Navjeet Singh while he was on the ground, with Abhijeet allegedly joining in.
After the incident, the brothers allegedly fled to New South Wales before being arrested by police on 7 May. During his arrest, Robin is said to have told officers:
“I’m the guilty one, my brother is innocent, he did nothing.”
Navjeet Singh, also known as Navjeet Sandhu, was described by friends and family as a “bright and aspiring” international student from India, who came to Australia to pursue a better future. He died at the scene, while Shawan Singh survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
The trial will continue with further opening statements from the prosecution, followed by the defence.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
