Woman accused of Christmas Day murder remanded in custody

Hardeep Singh died in hospital two days after being stabbed at a Christchurch home on Christmas Day.

A Christchurch woman accused of murdering an Indian man on Christmas Day has been remanded in custody this morning.

Hardeep Singh, 26, was rushed to hospital after being stabbed at a Cashmere Rd property on Sunday.

He had surgery for his injuries and a 22-year-old woman was arrested and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

But Singh died in hospital yesterday and the woman's charge was upgraded to murder at Christchurch District Court this morning. The earlier charge was withdrawn.

The woman was granted interim name suppression today after an application by duty lawyer Colin Easson. No other applications were made.

Judge Brian Callaghan remanded her in custody without plea to the High Court on February 3. Name suppression will be argued fully at her next appearance.

A post-mortem examination on Singh will be done today.

"Police extend their sympathies to Mr Singh's family and friends, many of whom are based in India," Detective Inspector Darryl Sweeney said.

"Detectives and victim support are liaising closely with his relations here and also in India, providing support and advice."

Singh originally hails from the Rania town of Haryana in India.

He came to New Zealand to study two years ago, the Indian Weekender has reported.

"His brother in India has been informed but the devastating news has yet been kept from his parents," the news site says.

The local Indian community is rallying together and calling for donations for Singh's family and for help in getting his body home.

"It's very sad news for our community," friend Deep Moudgill said.

"It's time to stay together for help to his family."