Statements from Counties/Manukau Police and Kawthar family

'The incident in Manurewa on 9 November 2012, involving the deaths of Inayat Kawthar (also known as Inayat Samut) and Ramnitesh Avinash, has been referred to the Coroner.

The Chief Coroner has authorised Police to confirm that the matter is being dealt with as murder/suicide, however Police will not make any further comment on circumstances leading up to the deaths as they will be subject to inquest findings.'

Detective Inspector Dave Lynch
Crime Services Manager

Family statement

"This is a difficult time for us and we are going through a private and holy grieving process. We are asking that the media respect this process and our privacy at this difficult time. We will appoint a family spokesperson and when the time is right and the family is comfortable we will make an approach."

Attributed to the Kawthar Family