Toyah Cordingley: Cairns murder suspect Rajwinder Singh arrested
The alleged murderer of Queensland woman Toyah Cordingley has been arrested in India, Queensland Police confirmed on Friday.
The man, thought to be Rajwinder Singh, has been captured by Indian authorities in New Delhi after more than four years on the run.
The 38-year-old left Australia two days after the young woman's death in October, 2018. The 24-year-old was found dead on Wangetti Beach in Far North Queensland. She was last seen the day before while walking her dog.
Arrest confirmed in relation to Cordingley's murder
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll confirmed the arrest in a press conference on Friday. Authorities have been searching for Mr Singh who they believe is responsible for Ms Cordingley's murder.
Earlier this month, Queensland Police offered a $1 million award for information leading to the man's arrest. Commissioner Carroll said the arrest was made "just hours ago" and it's too soon to say whether the $1 million reward would be paid out.
Photos from CCTV footage were released earlier this month and captured Mr Singh leaving Australia on October 23, 2018. It's believed he flew out of Cairns Airport to Sydney before travelling on to India.
The male suspect will face court in India and the process of extradition to Australia will commence. Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the matter "is a high priority" for the Australian government.
Investigators 'worked tirelessly' on Cordingley's case
Mr Singh lived in Innisfail in North Queensland but is originally from Buttar Kalan, Punjab India. Police discovered he fled Australia for India two days after the alleged murder, leaving behind his job, wife and three children.
A dedicated team of detectives from Cairns, Far North and the Homicide Investigation Unit have continued to work tirelessly towards ensuring justice for Toyah and her family, Detective Acting Superintendent Sonia Smith said earlier this month.
Police Minister Mark Ryan who approved the major reward for information said an appropriate indemnity from prosecution would be considered for any accomplice, not being the person who committed the crime.
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