Leicester, London(UK): A 48-year-old man of Indian origin has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his 76-year-old mother at their home in Leicester. Sandeep Singh killed his mother, Bhajan Kaur, after a dispute regarding their family property. He then attempted to conceal her body by burying it in the garden.

Singh was found guilty of the crime and received a life sentence on December 16, 2024. He must serve a minimum of 31 years before he is eligible for parole.

Leicestershire Police revealed that Singh had intended to bury his mother’s body in the garden. The house had been thoroughly cleaned, and a strong smell of disinfectant suggested that Singh was preparing to dispose of the body.

Prior to this tragic event, Bhajan Kaur had reported her son to the authorities for controlling and coercive behavior. Singh had been arrested in connection with these allegations and was released on bail as investigations were ongoing.

The murder was discovered on the evening of May 13 when relatives, unable to contact Kaur, visited the house and found her body. Kaur had suffered severe head and facial injuries. Upon arrival, police found a large hole dug in the backyard, indicating an attempt to bury the body.

Singh was arrested nearby soon after the discovery. He initially gave false information and tried to conceal his identity, but further investigation confirmed his identity. Singh denied any involvement in his mother’s death when arrested on suspicion of murder.

Investigations revealed that Singh, who had been living in his car on the driveway, had been let into the house by his mother earlier that day. CCTV footage showed him leaving the property and later returning with a sack barrow and a spade, which he purchased from a nearby store. He was interrupted in his attempt to bury the body when relatives arrived and discovered Kaur’s remains.

Due to prior reports made by Kaur against Singh, the matter was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC conducted an independent investigation, leading to individual learning for two officers, as confirmed by Leicestershire Police.