A reward of $1 million has been paid out in full to people who offered up crucial information that led to the arrest of the alleged murderer 38-year-old Rajwinder Singh from India.
Queensland Police has confirmed to media that last week the entire $1 million award has been paid out to those who offered up crucial information that led to his arrest.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said in a statement:
“We appreciate the significant public interest in this matter, however information provided on the process is limited as it is obtained on a confidential basis. As such we will not reveal specifics of the reward only to advise it has been paid in full to a number of claimants.”
On 21 October 2018, Toyah Cordingley, 24 years old, was allegedly murdered while walking her dog on Wangetti Beach near Cairns in Queensland.
Toyah’s father discovered her lifeless body while searching the beach and her murder shocked Australia.
Indian-Australian nurse Rajwinder Singh quickly became the main person of interest in Toyah’s alleged murder.
Queensland Police Acting Superintendent Kevin Goan revealed that Rajwinder Singh’s DNA and phone evidence were allegedly linked to the killing.
Acting Superintendent Goan told the court:
“Investigators are relying upon DNA evidence, which links Mr Singh to her homicide. There is some other evidence, including a telephone evidence, which suggests the movement of her mobile phone with Mr Singh’s phone, in proximity, that travelled to the western side of Cairns. As a result of that, other investigations were conducted and an arrest warrant was issued for him.”
However, the Queensland Police officials were unable to speak with Rajwinder Singh as he boarded a flight to India the following day.
On 23 October 2018, in leaving Australia in a hurry, it was reported that Rajwinder Singh even left his wife and children behind.
Queensland Police allege that Rajwinder Singh has avoided apprehension in the Punjab region since travelling to India.
On 3 November 3 2022, Queensland’s Police Minister Mark Ryan approved the major reward for information leading to the location and arrest of Rajwinder Singh.
Minister Ryan has said:
“Like many other Queenslanders, I am sickened by this heinous crime and I commend the Queensland Police Service for their tireless efforts in the pursuit of justice for Toyah and her family.”
Within a month of the announcement of the award, Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers arrested Rajwinder Singh from Delhi and promptly extradited him back to Queensland.
Detective Inspector Sonia Smith said Australian authorities worked closely with their Indian counterparts.
“Together with other Australian agencies we have continued to work closely and respectfully with Indian authorities to pursue justice for Toyah and her family.”
Rajwinder Singh arrived in Melbourne after being officially handed from Indian police to Queensland police at the International Airport in Delhi.
On hearing Rajwinder’s arrest and extradition, Toyah’s mother, Vanessa Gardiner, thanked police and the community in a statement.
“We thank the community for their ongoing love and support throughout these difficult times.”
Queensland Police has paid such a huge award for information for the first time.
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