Tauranga murder accused named

Deepak Nagpal is accused of killing Ravneet Sangha. Photo / NZPA

The man accused of killing Ravneet Sangha can be named for the first time.

He is Deepak Nagpal, 23, of Tauranga whose occupation is listed as packer.

Nagpal appeared in the District Court in Tauranga this morning where there was a packed public gallery that included Mrs Sangha's husband Dev.

Nagpal has been remanded in custody and police say more charges are likely. He has been described by police as being "associated with the address"

Yesterday Mr Sangha said he believed 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," Mr Sangha said last night.

The body of Mrs Sangha, 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.

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 friend, Sukhwinder Singh - like Mr Sangha, a taxi driver - said last night that 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.