Kirandeep Kaur: ‘The big sister who was my world’

Kirandeep Kaur: 'The big sister who was my world'

Kirandeep Kaur, a 24-year-old mother from India, was found stabbed to death in her home in Hayes, west London, on Sunday. Her sister Gursharan, who hails from the Majha region of Punjab, shared her grief with BBC London, calling Kirandeep "my world." The incident occurred while Kirandeep was sleeping beside her husband and newborn child.

"She is everything for me, she video calls me and my mum. What are we going to do without her?"

Gursharan, 21, recounted how her sister arrived in the UK in September 2024 to pursue studies at Buckinghamshire New University. "She completed her education and worked at a grocery store," she said. "We spoke on the phone often, but she hasn't returned since leaving. When she first saw London, she told me it was beautiful and she was happy."

Kirandeep's family, based in Tarn Taran—a major city in Punjab's Majha region, about 13 miles south of Amritsar—describes her as "very intelligent" and "the top of her class" in India. "She was the most supportive person," Gursharan added. "She always thought of us first, even helping me with my studies. She loved us all deeply."

The family, which includes three siblings and their parents, expressed devastation over the loss. "Our family is poor, but she made sure we were cared for," Gursharan said. "She was my world, and now my heart is broken." The family now hopes to repatriate Kirandeep's body for a funeral in their hometown.

Accused Man Appears in Court

46-year-old Daniel Sean James, charged with Kirandeep's murder, appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink on Thursday. He is accused of attacking her in her home on Uxbridge Road in Hayes during the early hours of Sunday, 12 July. After the assault, he reportedly leapt from a window and fractured both ankles before being apprehended by police.

James faces additional charges of attempted murder and possession of a blade. Judge Nigel Lickley KC has scheduled a plea hearing for 1 October, with the suspect remanded into custody.

Community Vigils and Family Wishes

Vigils for Kirandeep were held on Friday and Saturday in the Sikh community of Hayes. Gursharan thanked locals for their support at the gatherings. "We hope this tragedy doesn’t happen to another family," she said. "We want her body back so her funeral can take place in our village."

Reflecting on the loss, Gursharan expressed hope for justice. "I haven’t seen her since she left in 2024. I just want to see her one last time before she’s gone," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.