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Ishtpal Singh charged with his ‘friend’ Anmol Bajwa’s murder at playground

His defence lawyer, Michael Haralambous, informed the court that Singh had never been in custody before and required antidepressant medication.

A 31-year-old man, Ishtpal Singh, has been charged with the murder of his friend and father-of-two, Anmol Bajwa, whose body was discovered at a children’s playground in Mambourin, located south-west of Melbourne.

The tragic incident has left the local community shaken, and the investigation into Bajwa’s death is ongoing. Police arrested Ishtpal Singh in connection with Bajwa’s death on Wednesday and he appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a filing hearing.

Anmol Bajwa murdered in Melbourne- Image Source; The Australia Today
Anmol Bajwa murdered in Melbourne- Image Source; The Australia Today

Ishtpal Singh, dressed in a buttoned-up blue shirt, stood in the dock flanked by two security officers. His defence lawyer, Michael Haralambous, informed the court that Singh had never been in custody before and required antidepressant medication. The court arranged for Singh’s prescribed medication to be made available to him while in detention.

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Singh has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on May 23. He was not required to enter a plea or speak during the initial court appearance, and details regarding the allegations against him were not read out in court.

Bajwa, aged 36, was found dead on Tuesday morning at approximately 7:30 AM under a picnic table at the Elementary Road park in Mambourin, just west of Wyndham Vale. The discovery was made by authorities who quickly launched a homicide investigation.

Anmol Bajwa murdered in Melbourne- Image Source; The Australia Today
Anmol Bajwa murdered in Melbourne- Image Source; The Australia Today

The victim, Anmol Bajwa, was remembered by his family and friends as a devoted husband and father who worked hard to create a better life for his family in Australia. Bajwa’s wife, along with their two young children—a six-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son—has been left devastated by his death. The family had previously reported that Bajwa had gone to meet a friend at the park on Monday evening, but when he failed to return home, his wife alerted authorities.

A GoFundMe campaign set up to support the family described Bajwa as a “community and family-oriented person who worked hard to build a better life in Australia.” The fundraiser has raised significant contributions to help his wife and children during this incredibly difficult time.

Anmol Bajwa murdered in Melbourne- Image Source; The Australia Today
Anmol Bajwa murdered in Melbourne- Image Source; The Australia Today

In the wake of Bajwa’s death, the Mambourin community has expressed shock and concern, particularly as the crime occurred at a local park near Laa Yulta Primary School. Residents have voiced their worries about safety, with many feeling uneasy about sending their children to the park.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bajwa’s death is still underway, and authorities are urging anyone with information, or those who may have relevant CCTV or dash-cam footage, to come forward and assist with their inquiries. Victoria Police is continuing to examine the scene and gather evidence, as they work to understand what led to the tragic loss of this beloved father.

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Anmol Bajwa murdered in Melbourne- Image Source; The Australia Today
Anmol Bajwa murdered in Melbourne- Image Source; The Australia Today

The case has also raised questions about public safety and the need for community engagement in tackling crime. The local community, already reeling from the tragedy, has been left with many unanswered questions as police work to bring justice to the Bajwa family.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

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