Ishtpal Singh faces trial for alleged murder of friend in Melbourne park

Ishtpal Singh, 32, is facing a jury trial in the Victorian Supreme Court for the alleged murder of his friend, Anmoral Singh Bajwa. Prosecutors claim the killing was a carefully planned act driven by grievances related to a commercial dispute involving a former transport company.

According to court proceedings, the pair met on January 20, 2025, for a barbecue and drinks at Shillings Park in Mambourin, near southwest Melbourne. CCTV footage presented to the jury showed the pair purchasing food and alcohol together. Prosecutors allege that Singh had arrived at the park earlier to hide a metal pole in the shrubbery.

During the evening, Singh was allegedly seen moving the pole closer to their seating area. Shortly after midnight, Singh is accused of striking Bajwa 17 times in the head and face with the pole, causing catastrophic injuries that resulted in death at the scene. Singh has pleaded not guilty to the charges.