Victoria Man Charged in Murder Case

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A man has been charged with the murder of his former partner in the Murray River town of Cobram, near the Victoria–New South Wales border, in a case that has shocked the local community and raised concerns about the safety of vulnerable women.

Prem Kumar, 45, appeared in court this week, accused of killing a 32-year-old woman, known locally as Anu, inside her home during the early hours of the morning. The alleged crime occurred just meters away from her two young sons, who were reportedly playing outside at the time.

According to neighbors, Kumar had been seen at the property on and off for the past year and a half. On the night of the alleged killing, he is believed to have returned to the unit around 1:30 a.m. A resident in the area told reporters that they heard an unusual noise that evening. “I heard a thud, it was just like something hitting the bottom of the bin,” the neighbor said. “I looked out the window and there were the two boys, and they were on their little plastic bikes playing, and that was very unusual.”

The victim’s two children were not physically harmed during the incident, but the community has expressed deep concern about the emotional toll the tragedy will have on them. Many residents have been left grappling with the fact that two boys are now left without their mother.

Friends and neighbors described the woman as gentle and caring, saying she was devoted to her children and struggled quietly with health issues, including multiple sclerosis. Community members recalled that she seldom left her home and had limited support. Some said they had previously raised concerns with government services about her situation, stressing that she needed additional assistance to manage her condition while caring for her children.

One neighbor described her as “a loving mum. Very polite, very nice, sweet. [It’s] just very sad.” Another added, “Two boys now are left without their mother … it stinks.”

Homicide detectives have spent several days at the residence, gathering evidence and speaking with residents in the Cobram area. The case has rattled the tight-knit community, where neighbors are now calling for stronger protections and improved welfare support for women who may be at risk.

Domestic violence remains a major issue across Australia, with advocacy groups emphasizing the importance of early intervention, access to resources, and stronger safety measures for women facing abusive or controlling relationships. Authorities have not confirmed whether the woman had sought help from support services before her death.

Prem Kumar has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in court in December. If convicted, the case will stand as another grim reminder of the dangers faced by women in vulnerable circumstances and the ongoing challenges in preventing domestic-related homicides.

The investigation is ongoing, and police have urged anyone with additional information about the events leading up to the killing to come forward. For now, the community is mourning the loss of a mother whose life was cut short, while her children face an uncertain future without her.