This Friday, October 9, 2026, the Antwerp assize court commenced the trial of Sukhdev Singh (66). He is set to account for the death of his compatriot Darshan Singh (42), originally from Ravels in the Kempen region. Darshan Singh, who vanished from his home more than eight years ago, had his body discovered four months later in a roadside ditch in Northern France, as reported by HLN Antwerpen.
Investigation and Crucial Clues in the Kempen
Darshan Singh was last seen in Ravels. His disappearance prompted an intensive investigation by Belgian authorities. Detectives traced Sukhdev Singh through concrete evidence. A lighter found in a café in Weelde, a sub-municipality of Ravels, and DNA traces in the suspect's car boot were pivotal for a breakthrough in the case. These forensic findings formed a significant basis for the charges.
Four Months Missing, Eight Years of Investigation
The search for Darshan Singh lasted months, and the discovery of his body in Northern France, four months after his disappearance, complicated the investigation. Subsequently, it took over eight years for this complex case to reach court. The identification and collection of forensic evidence, spanning across different countries, posed a considerable challenge for investigative services.
The trial at the Antwerp assize court, which has now begun, will thoroughly examine the facts and circumstances of Darshan Singh's death in the coming period. Sukhdev Singh is on trial for his alleged involvement. The court will consider all evidence and testimonies to reach a verdict in this protracted legal process.
