Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 20, 2021
Police are continuing to investigate the death of two persons in their home in Epsom, Auckland yesterday, Friday, March 19, 2021.
Two others connected with the incident are under police guard.
One of them, who was stated to be in a critical but stable condition, is reported to have spoken to the Police but details are yet to be released.
The deceased, whose identity has not been revealed, are not new to New Zealand as some reports suggested. According to a former neighbour, the deceased have been living at the residence located on Long Drive in Epsom at least since 2007.
They are reported to be from Goa, a Western State, near Mumbai in India.
A fourth person, who was familiar with the others involved, was taken to hospital with superficial injuries. He was interviewed by Police on Friday and has since been discharged.
Police were called to the house at about 1130 am.
Family harm issue
Earlier today, (Saturday), the Police said that the incident appeared to be a family harm matter and that despite being provided with first aid the man and the woman died at the scene yesterday (Friday).
No risk to communities
Detective Inspector Scott Beard, who is investigating the case, said that the deceased persons were stabbed at that the incident took place inside the house.
“We are satisfied that it was not a random attack. We acknowledge that the tragic incident will be concerning to the wider communities. While the investigation is still in its early state, we want to reassure the public that we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter and we do not believe that there is any wider risk to the community,” he said.
Indian Newslink has spoken to Dr Ranjana Gupta who had known the deceased woman. Details of our conversation will be published later. Ms Gupta is a former neighbour of the deceased woman and had known her well.
Anyone with information regarding the incident may phone Auckland City Police on (09) 3026557 or anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800-555111.
Homicides in New Zealand
According to Stuff, at least 17 people have died in suspicious or homicidal circumstances in New Zealand so far in 2021. There were 19 suspected homicides last year with a toll of 68.
“On an average, there are 70 homicides in New Zealand each year. The rate of 1.6 homicides per 100,000 people is above the OECD median of 0.95 per 100,000. The Homicide Report’s data is provisional and may change depending on the outcome of investigations and court cases,” the Stuff Report said.
