'Money motive' feared in BoP killings

Bears and pictures are placed outside the Sanghas' home in Otumoetai. Photo / Alan Gibson

An Indian man fears money was the motive for the killing of his wife and daughter in Tauranga.

"I think there's only [a] money issue, because my wife had a large amount of money in her account," Dev Sangha said last night.

The body of Mr Sangha's wife, Ravneet, 32, was found in the couple's home in Otumoetai on Sunday.

Their 2-year-old daughter, Anna, was discovered dead about 20 hours later. Police had conducted an extensive search of the district but her body was found concealed in the house.

A 23-year-old man described by police as being "associated with the address" has been charged with murdering Mrs Sangha, and is expected to face further charges when he returns to court in Tauranga today.

Mr Sangha, 37 - who was in India on business at the time of the killings - yesterday formally identified the bodies.

"All night I was thinking [about] how it happened. [It is] hard to believe for me," Mr Sangha told 3News last night. He was struggling to come to terms with the allegations that had been made against the family's former close friend, who it is understood even had access to the family accounts.

"I believe we Punjabi people, if we have a friendship with somebody, we would die for that friendship," Mr Sangha said.

The Tauranga police area commander, Inspector Mike Clement, last night refused to comment on the suggestion of a money motive.

A heated court appearance is expected for Mrs Sangha's alleged killer as the couple's family and friends continue to seek answers for her killing.

A friend, Sukhwinder Singh - like Mr Sangha, a taxi driver - said up to 25 of the grieving man's colleagues would be attending court to express their anger.

"It is very hard still ... We will be angry. We are gathering everyone we know to face up."

Family spokesman Daljit Singh said Mr Sangha had found having to identify the bodies of his wife and child as the most difficult moment of his life.

"He had relaxed [on Tuesday night] after the first shock.

"But now he is stressed again. He cannot speak, and just wants to spend more time with the bodies."

Daljit Singh, who accompanied Mr Sangha, said Mrs Sangha had severe injuries to her neck and face. Anna also had serious injuries to her face and marks on one of her cheeks.

After autopsies, their bodies were released to the family, who returned to Tauranga last night.

Mr Clement said police were asking the public to report any sightings of activity at or around the address at 428 Ngatai Rd on Friday or Saturday.

Mrs Sangha worked as a packer at Seeka Kiwifruit Industries in Katikati.

A funeral will be held in Tauranga tomorrow, before she and her daughter are cremated in accordance with Sikh custom.