What specific evidence led the Federal Court to reinstate the death sentence?

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Federal Court Reinstates Death Sentence Based on Circumstantial Evidence and Staged Crime Scene

The Federal Court reinstated the death penalty for Satvender Singh, a former lorry driver convicted of murdering his wife and seven-month-old daughter in 2016. A three-judge panel allowed the prosecution's appeal, finding that the death penalty was appropriate given the gravity of the crime. This decision was supported by clear and irrefutable circumstantial evidence that pointed to Satvender as the perpetrator, including his status as the last person seen with the victims and the High Court's finding that he had staged the crime scene.
Circumstantial Evidence Pointing to Perpetrator

The Federal Court relied on compelling circumstantial evidence to reinstate the death sentence. Justice Rhodzariah, delivering the unanimous decision, highlighted that the evidence clearly and irrefutably implicated Satvender Singh in the murders. Neighbours' testimonies confirmed that Satvender was the last individual seen with his wife, D Kamaljit, and their infant daughter, Ishilyn Kaur Sandhu, before their deaths on April 14, 2016. This placed him at the scene during the critical timeframe.
Staged Crime Scene and Method of Killing

A crucial aspect of the Federal Court's decision was its concurrence with the High Court's findings that Satvender Singh had staged the crime scene. This indicated a deliberate attempt to conceal his actions and mislead investigators. Both victims died of asphyxia, with evidence strongly suggesting the infant was smothered with a pillow while she was drinking milk. The prosecution argued this staging was part of a premeditated plan to mask the killings.
Overturning of Court of Appeal Decision

The Federal Court's decision effectively overturned a previous ruling by the Court of Appeal. In November of the preceding year, the appellate court had overturned Satvender's conviction for his wife's murder, reducing it to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and imposing a 20-year prison sentence. The Court of Appeal had also acquitted him of his daughter's murder. The prosecution's appeal to the Federal Court sought to reinstate the original High Court findings.
Gravity of the Offence and Abuse

The prosecution emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime and the prolonged abuse Satvender Singh inflicted upon his wife, D Kamaljit, prior to her death. Deputy public prosecutor Noorhisham Mohd Jaafar urged the court to uphold the death sentence, highlighting that Kamaljit had been strangled and the infant died from asphyxia. He contended that the staging of the scene was done to cover up these actions, and also pointed out evidence of Satvender subjecting Kamaljit to significant physical and psychological abuse.

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What specific evidence led the Federal Court to reinstate the death sentence?

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