David Gardiner

Journalist

The sole suspect accused of the murder of 24-year-old Toyah Cordingley at Wangetti Beach four years ago has said he wants to return to Australia and face trial as soon as he can.

Rajwinder Singh, 38, swore in a statement submitted to a court in Delhi, India that he wished to formally waive his right to challenge extradition, because he willingly wanted to come back to Australia.

Of Indian origin, the Australian citizen said while under police escort to court, “I want to go back.”

His decision is likely to save a lot of time because if he had fought the extradition order in India’s overloaded legal system, the court battle could have run for several years.

Breaking his silence, Singh told reporters, “I did not kill the woman.” He added he wanted to “reveal all the details” to an Australian court.

Asked why he had fled the country after the alleged murder of Toyah in 2018, Singh replied: “I will explain all that.” He added: “There were two killers and two victims.”

Queensland police maintain Singh is the prime suspect.

He was arrested in November by Delhi police, just weeks after the state government posted a record $1m reward for information leading to his capture.

Singh’s decision to waive his right to contest extradition means the Indian court no longer has to hear evidence in the case compiled by Australian investigators before it decides if his return can go ahead.

A decision by the Delhi court is expected within 24 hours.