A shocking crime that shook India and New Zealand. Twenty-seven-year-old Gurjeet Singh from Ludhiana was brutally murdered in New Zealand on January 29, 2024. The attacker was Rajinder Singh. He stabbed Gurjeet 46 times at Gurjeet’s home.
After two years of court proceedings it finally ended. The court sentenced Rajinder Singh to life imprisonment for 17.5 years with no parole.
Reports say Rajinder worked as a fiber-optic cable technician in New Zealand. He had been Gurjeet’s senior or boss in the same line of work. Gurjeet first worked under him and later started his own business.
At the trial the reason for the attack came out. It was personal. Rajinder wanted to marry Gurjeet’s wife. She rejected him and married Gurjeet instead. The killing happened eight months after Gurjeet’s marriage.
Detective Senior Sergeant Nick Leigh told the media that Gurjeet and his wife were planning a new life together when this happened. Gurjeet’s parents called the verdict “final justice” and said they feel relief that their son’s soul can now rest in peace.
Police relied on CCTV footage and forensic evidence. Rajinder tried to hide his identity but officers tracked his car near the scene. DNA under Gurjeet’s nails and on his clothes tied Rajinder to the attack. The murder weapon was never recovered.
Justice Dunningham also ordered Rajinder Singh to pay over $8,000 to the victim’s family and widow. Gurjeet was his parents’ only son. He fought bravely to survive, but the attack was far too violent.
The case shows how brutal the crime was. And it shows police kept after it until the culprit was brought to justice.
