Former Vernon man charged with wife’s murder will fight to prove innocence, lawyer says

VERNON – A former Vernon man accused of plotting to murder his wife more than 30 years ago will fight the allegations vehemently, says his defence lawyer.

Paramjit Singh Bogarh, born in 1961, appeared by video in Vernon Provincial Court this morning, May 31, on charges of first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Bogarh sat quietly during his brief court appearance, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit and sporting a long white beard.

Defence counsel Nick Jacob, appearing on behalf of Bogarh’s lawyer, Russ Chamberlain, requested an adjournment to June 28 to fix a date.

Reached by phone after court and asked if he had any comment about the case, Chamberlain said: “Other than the fact my client is innocent? No.”

Chamberlain pointed out that Bogarh was first charged shortly after the 1986 death of his wife, Saminder Kaur Bogarh, but the charges were dropped due to lack of evidence. He said Bogarh left Canada and relocated to the U.S. for a variety of reasons, including harassment from the deceased’s family.

A Supreme Court bail hearing is expected to occur sometime during the week of June 18, Chamberlain said.

Bogarh’s brother, Narinder Singh Bogarh, is also charged with first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He currently resides in India, Chamberlain said.

The B.C. Prosecution Service has said it continues to pursue Narinder Singh Bogarh’s extradition. 

To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.