Another case of "KURI MAR" ?

[Harbhajan]

Jun. 24, 2005. 01:00 AM

Uncle charged in death of toddler

Initially ruled drowning accident Man, 37, arrested after 3-day probe

BOB MITCHELL

TORONTO STAR - STAFF REPORTER

A Brampton ( ONTARO ) man has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of his 3-year-old niece, a family tragedy that was initially ruled an accidental drowning.

Peel homicide charged the child's uncle, 37-year-old Devinder Singh, after nearly three days of intensive investigation into the incident.

Rashmeet Oshan was pronounced dead at William Osler Health Centre's Brampton Memorial Hospital on Tuesday morning, soon after emergency personnel found her lacking vital signs in a neighbour's home on Rockrose Dr.

Based on their initial information, Peel police said the child drowned in her family's backyard inflatable pool.

But results of a forensic autopsy conducted Wednesday at Hospital for Sick Children changed the direction of the investigation from an accident to a homicide.

Peel police never release autopsy results or the cause of death in homicides until the case reaches the trial stage.

Although police sources said Rashmeet's back was broken, it's believed that didn't cause her death.

Family members have remained away from the home since the child's mother arrived Tuesday morning and was met by police. But forensic investigators and homicide detectives have been seen going in and out of the residence over the past two days.

Police have released few details about the case, except that a 911 call made around 9:40 a.m. on Tuesday sent emergency personnel rushing to the neighbour's home. At the time, police said a relative had brought the unconscious child to the neighbour's home asking for help.

But that neighbour later told reporters that the relative never mentioned anything about the child drowning.

The neighbour also said Rashmeet was dry, and that she was dressed in a T-shirt and shorts.

Three adults, including the accused, were living at the home with three children when the death occurred, police said.

Although neighbours said they thought the young girl had a twin brother, police have said that young boy was her cousin. Rashmeet's father lives in India, police said.

Neighbours said the family generally kept to themselves.

Singh is expected to make his first appearance in a Brampton courtroom today.

Peel homicide investigators are still investigating the case. Anyone with information is asked to call 905-453-2121 ext. 3200.

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