The family of Gurjit Singh, 27, have been left emotionally and financially devastated after he was fatally attacked in a violent home invasion in January 2024 that shocked the Indian diaspora community.
Singh’s killer, Rajinder, 35, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 17.5 years in the High Court at Dunedin, New Zealand.
Gurjit Singh was stabbed more than 40 times outside his home, with evidence suggesting an attempted decapitation. His body was found on the lawn of his property, while a window of the house was shattered, indicating a desperate struggle. CCTV footage and DNA evidence were crucial in linking Rajinder to the attack.
As per RNZ, Prosecutor Richard Smith told the court that blood samples from the scene were “500,000 million times more likely” to belong to Rajinder than a random person, adding that his blood and hair were found in the victim’s hands.
The court heard that Rajinder had planned the attack, purchasing a knife and tracking Singh’s route home on the night of the murder. He allegedly intended to “clear the air” after feeling aggrieved by Gurjit Singh, who had married a woman Rajinder had previously sought to wed through a marriage broker.
It is reported that Justice Rachel Dunningham told Rajinder: “The most likely motive for your killing was not jealousy, but rather the desire to punish Mr Singh and his new wife…”
“Because from your perspective, she rejected an arranged marriage with you.”
Gurjit Singh had moved to New Zealand in 2016 to earn higher wages to support his elderly parents in India, who had sold all of their land to help him relocate.
Victim impact statements, as per local media, revealed the family had been left “destroyed” financially and emotionally. “When he finally reached a point where he could lift us up from hardship, he was taken away from us.,” they said.
“Now we have nothing. No land, no savings, no support.”
Gurjit Singh’s widow, Kamaljeet Kaur, described the couple’s brief separation by distance and their plans to start a new life together. “Marrying Gurjit was the brightest moment of my life. He was the heart of our home,” she said.
“We were counting down the days until I could join him in Dunedin, and then his life was taken. Grief has left me emotionally paralysed.”
His father, Nishan Singh, speaking through a translator, said the family was grateful that justice had finally been served. “We are happy that they have got a final justice,” he told the media.
“It was a really tough time for us during the whole trial, especially for my wife because her health is not good.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Nik Leigh, who led part of the investigation, said almost 80 police staff were involved, some remaining at the scene for eight days.
“I remember seeing the reaction from the family when the verdict was handed down. It definitely brings a tear to your eyes.”
It is reported that Rajinder remained silent throughout the hearing. Justice Dunningham also ordered him to pay more than $8,000 in reparation to Gurjit Singh’s parents and widow and issued a firearms prohibition order.
Gurjit Singh’s family described him as a kind, thoughtful man who “noticed when someone was struggling and stepped forward before they even asked.”
Friends recalled him in good spirits on the night of his death, attending a pizza party in Helensburgh before returning home, where he was brutally attacked.
The murder has left Gurjit Singh’s widow facing social stigma, interrupted education, and the daunting challenge of rebuilding her life alone. “Our last hope died with him,” Singh’s family said.
“Rajinder robbed us of our child, our future, and our peace.”
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