Highlights
- 21-year-old Indian aged care worker Jasmeen Kaur’s murder investigation continues
- 20-year old man who is believed to be of Indian-origin has been charged for her murder
- Ms Kaur came to Australia on a student visa from Punjab, India in 2018
- Her family is in ‘shock and disbelief’ after knowing the circumstances that led to her death
The family of the 21-year-old Jasmeen Kaur is still in “shock and disbelief” after learning about the circumstances that led to her death.
Police continue their investigation after the remains of Ms Kaur were found in a shallow grave in the outback of South Australia on 8 March.
They are appealing to the public for assistance in locating multiple items that belonged to Ms Kaur, who was found dead at Moralana Creek, about 40 kilometres north of Hawker and over 400 km from Adelaide, where she lived.
Police are also looking for a plate and a knife that they believe are important to the investigators but warned it should not be assumed the knife was involved in Ms Kaur’s death.
Police believe Ms Kaur was ‘taken by force’
Police located Ms Kaur's green Camry (L) parked at her workplace at Southern Cross Homes in Plympton North. Source: SA Police
Ms Kaur was last seen at Southern Cross Homes, Plympton North in Adelaide at about 10 pm on 5 March.
She was reported missing by her family the next morning after she did not return to her Flinders Park home.
Speaking to reporters on 11 March, police revealed more details about the circumstances that may have led to her death.
Major Crime Investigation Branch officer in charge Detective Superintendent Des Bray said her green Toyota Camry remained parked at her workplace in the meantime.
“We believe it to be extremely unlikely that Jasmeen left willingly with anybody and are investigating the possibility that she was taken by force,” he said during a media conference on Thursday.
Police charge a 20-year-old man in relation to the murder
Source: SA Police
Police are appealing for information from anyone who may have seen a young Indian man loitering in the car park or waiting for Ms Kaur on Friday night, or in the weeks leading up to the incident.
Police are also gathering evidence to prove if Ms Kaur was being stalked, said Superintendent Bray.
He added that investigators were aware of how she died, and a potential motive for her death but could not reveal more information.
Police believe that about 10 pm on 5 March, a man drove Ms Kaur from her workplace in a metallic blue Holden Commodore.
In a detailed media statement, the police also revealed the route that this car may have taken from Adelaide, through a number of safety cameras along the route to and also from the gravesite – and are appealing for dashcam footage from any member of the public who was in the area.
On 7 March, the police had spoken to a 20-year-old Kurralta Park man and flew with him to Port Augusta. He directed them to Moralana Creek, where the officers located a shallow grave.
This man is believed to be of Indian origin and known to the deceased.
Police said he denied any responsibility for the death despite knowing where the woman’s body was buried.
He was arrested on 8 March and has since been charged with failing to report a death and murder. He appeared in the Port Augusta Magistrates Court on 9 March and was remanded to custody.
Family, friends in ‘shock and disbelief’
Police were seen excavating crime scene in the Flinders Ranges, north of Hawker, on Monday, 8 March Source: SA Police
The impact of Ms Kaur’s death has touched many hearts, including the members of the Punjabi community in Australia, many of whom took to social media to express their grief and concern.
Ms Kaur, who came to Australia as an international student in 2018, hailed from District Sangrur in the north Indian state of Punjab.
Adelaide-based Maninder Singh Kharoud, the uncle of the deceased, said the family is still in ‘shock and disbelief’.
“It’s hard to believe that we will no longer be able to see her beautiful smile. She touched our lives with her care and kindness,” he recalled.
“She was a noble, gentle and hard-working young woman, who came to Australia for a better future but destiny had other plans. May she rest in peace,” added an emotionally-charged Mr Kharoud.
Mr Kharoud thanked the community for their emotional support and condolences.
Ms Kaur came to Australia on a student visa from Punjab, India in 2018. Source: Photo Supplied by Mr Kharoud
“It has been a very difficult and tragic time for our family and friends. We are very thankful to the local community who have been assisting us to cope with this unbearable loss,” he told SBS Punjabi.
“We are in process of organising her funeral service as we hope to take her mortal remains back to India. Prominent members of the Punjabi community have suggested fundraising for that purpose. We respect this courtesy but we don’t want any fundraisers at this stage,” he added.
Mr Kharoud said they are satisfied with the police and other authorities who they believe are ‘leaving no stone unturned’ in their investigations.
“We will be very thankful if anyone with information could assist the police and judiciary to reach a logical conclusion. We hope the truth will prevail and justice will be served,” Mr Kharoud said.
Adelaide-based Amrik Singh Thandi also requested the community to come forward and share any leads that could help the police investigation.
“My deepest sympathies to the family at this terrible time. The victim and the man in question, both are from our community, which makes me believe that somebody must know something that could help the police,” Mr Thandi said.
“The whole community is in shock. A young life has been lost under tragic circumstances. May she rest in peace. Our deepest condolences and sympathies are with her family,” he told SBS Punjabi.
The police have requested that any member of the public who has information about the car or man that fit the description given by South Australia Police, or has dashcam footage of the car on the road, should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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