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The man wanted in relation to the death of Toyah Cordingley has appeared in court in the Indian capital, New Delhi.
Rajwinder Singh was arrested there last week after a four-year international search and a $1 million reward offered for information on his whereabouts.
Queensland Police say 38-year-old Singh left Cairns and flew to India in the days following the discovery of Ms Cordingley’s body at Wangetti Beach, north of Cairns, in October 2018.
Singh appeared at the central Delhi courthouse for a hearing that begins the process of extraditing him to Australia.
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The court will examine a brief of evidence prepared by Queensland Police.
Commissioner, Katarina Carroll, said last week it’s a strong case with an excellent chance of success in court.
Singh’s lawyer told the court authorities had not provided all the documents supporting Australia's extradition bid, a claim denied by prosecutor, Ajay Digpaul.
Singh has been remanded to appear again on December 17 for a further hearing.
He is being held in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail. It is possible he could apply for bail, but prosecutors said there’s little chance an application would succeed.
Prosecutor Digpaul told reporters he wants to move quickly on the extradition process, but India’s court system has a large backlog of cases and can move very slowly.
Indian police said they had received many tips about Singh following the announcement of a $1 million reward in November.
Queensland Police say no reward has been paid so far, and any decision will be made in due course.
Main points
- Rajwinder Singh has made his first appearance in a New Delhi court
- The hearing begins the process of bringing him back to Australia
- He's due in court again on December 17
