Toyah Cordingley’s alleged killer arrested in India
The alleged murderer of slain Queensland woman Toyah Cordingley has been arrested in India after a four year manhunt.
24-year-old Toyah Cordingley was found dead on a beach near Cairns in October 2018.
On the fourth anniversary of her death, police announced a $1 million reward to help find Rajwinder Singh, the man identified as the main suspect.
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the day has been a long time coming.
AFP Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team, the AFP New Delhi team and Queensland Police have been working together on the case.
“Police received information of the whereabouts of the individual, and today, he was arrested by Indian law enforcement in New Delhi,” she said.
It’s expected he will face court in India, before facing extradition hearings.
The Commissioner praised police for their determination.
“It was never a question of, only when, this day would come.
“I am extremely proud of the police in the far north, of our homicide squad, all of those who gave given up so much time, and remained incredibly determined to find these answers.”
Press PLAY below to hear some of what the Police Commissioner had to say
#BREAKING: I'm told Toyah Cordingley's alleged murderer has been arrested in India. All the details tonight in @9NewsQueensland at 6pm
— Tim Arvier (@TimArvier9) November 25, 2022
Police previously named Rajwinder Singh as a person of interest and offered a $1 million reward to find him.
Mr Singh had boarded a plane for India just days after she was killed, leaving behind his nursing job and family.
“A team of detectives from the Queensland Police [Service] recently travelled over to India, looking for him,” 9News reporter Tim Arvier said.
Australian authorities worked with the Indian government to secure an extradition order and had travelled there with a focus on making an arrest.
“It’s massive news. Four years, a huge manhunt and a very difficult policing operation.
“We wait for official confirmation as to how this has all happened.”
Press PLAY below to hear the latest from Tim Arvier
Ms Cordingley’s body was discovered by her father in sand dunes on Wangetti Beach, north of Cairns, in October 2018.
He had gone looking for her when she failed to return home from walking her dog.
Image: 9News