NSW Police have made significant progress in the decade-long investigation into the unsolved murder of Prahba Kumar, a mother-of-one who was brutally killed in Parramatta Park, Western Sydney, in March 2015. Authorities now believe they have identified a potential motive behind the suspected targeted attack.
Prahba Kumar was speaking to her husband, Arun Kumar, on the phone while he was in India when she was attacked and fatally stabbed. The shocking incident left her family and community in disbelief, with Arun expressing his grief at the time. “I want whoever killed my gorgeous wife to be brought to justice,” he said in 2015. However, new revelations have cast a shadow over his initial portrayal as a grieving widower.
Emerging Suspicions and Inconsistencies
NSW Police Homicide Squad Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi revealed that during the investigation, several inconsistencies were found in Arun Kumar’s account of events, raising suspicions about his involvement. “In addition, we see a potential motive for him,” Doueihi stated, though he clarified that the evidence has not yet met the threshold for criminal charges.
Further complicating the case, Arun admitted to having a girlfriend at the time of Prahba’s murder. This revelation, coupled with other evidence, has kept him as a person of interest. Last year, NSW Police announced a $1 million reward for information leading to the resolution of the case, underscoring the complexity and high stakes involved.
Legal Proceedings and Family Reactions
The ongoing investigation took a significant step forward with a recent two-day inquest. Counsel assisting, Jillian Caldwell, highlighted suspicious actions by Arun, such as renewing Prahba’s life insurance and altering her bank account PIN shortly before her death. These actions have intensified scrutiny on his potential involvement.
During the inquest, Prahba’s family, including her sister and niece, were present, while her brother participated from India. “Why would anybody want to kill such a beautiful person, a beautiful soul?” her brother questioned, reflecting the family’s ongoing anguish and search for answers.
“Through the course of the investigation, we were able to rule out other potential motives. It appears from all the evidence collected that this was a targeted killing.” – Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi
International Collaboration and Future Steps
NSW Police have been collaborating closely with Indian authorities and the government, facilitated through the attorney-general, to gather more information and pursue leads. Despite the international efforts, the individual responsible for the attack remains unidentified, and Arun has not been charged in connection with his wife’s death.
The case has now been referred to the Unsolved Homicide Team, indicating that despite the passage of time, the investigation remains active and open. “Even though it’s ten years old and it’s just been finalised at inquest, the case remains open,” Doueihi assured, emphasizing the police’s commitment to solving this tragic case.
As the investigation continues, the community and Prahba’s family hope for closure and justice. The developments in this case highlight the complexities and challenges of solving cold cases, especially those with international dimensions. The police’s persistent efforts and the family’s unwavering quest for truth keep the hope alive that answers will eventually be found.
