A Supreme Court jury in Victoria has been presented with disturbing details of a violent altercation that resulted in one death and a second victim with serious injuries. The case centers on Robin Robin, 29, who stands accused of murdering 22-year-old Navjeet Singh and attempting to murder 30-year-old Shawan Singh during a confrontation in the Melbourne suburb of Ormond on May 5, 2024.
During opening statements, Crown prosecutor Nadia Kaddeche outlined the sequence of events that began as a domestic dispute between housemates. The court heard that Robin and his younger brother Abhijeet had hosted a party at their rental property, during which they allegedly became enraged after Shawan Singh left to play cards at Navjeet Singh’s residence in Noble Park.
The prosecution asserted that the brothers engaged in repeated abusive phone calls throughout the evening before Robin allegedly demanded Shawan return to collect his belongings shortly after 11pm. When Shawan arrived with Navjeet and several companions, Robin allegedly confronted him with a kitchen knife while shouting threats in Hindi.
According to the prosecution’s account, Robin allegedly stabbed Shawan in the chest and shoulder before turning the weapon on Navjeet when he attempted to intervene. Tragically, Navjeet Singh sustained fatal chest wounds during the attack.
The jury was shown brief but critical evidence including three seconds of phone footage from a resident and less than a minute of dashcam footage from a passing Uber driver. Ms. Kaddeche claimed this footage depicts Robin attacking Navjeet while he was on the ground, with Abhijeet allegedly participating by striking with the back of his hand.
Following the incident, the brothers reportedly traveled to New South Wales, where they were apprehended by police on May 7. The prosecution revealed that during his arrest, Robin allegedly made a startling declaration to officers: ‘I want to tell you I’m guilty. I’m the guilty one, my brother is innocent, he did nothing.’
Despite this alleged confession, Robin has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. The court also heard alternative charges of intentionally causing serious injury and recklessly causing serious injury specifically related to the wounds inflicted on Shawan Singh.
The trial continues with further opening remarks from the prosecution followed by an address from Robin’s defense barrister, John Desmond.