London, Dec 15 (IANS) An Indian man has appeared in a London magistrate's court charged with the murder of his estranged wife, who was left dying on the streets with her hand chopped off.

Harpreet Aulakh, 31, appeared at Feltham court Monday and was accused of killing 28-year-old Geeta Aulakh, a radio receptionist, Nov 16.

Harpreet, who was originally arrested days after the gruesome killing and then released before being rearrested Dec 11, spoke only to confirm his name and address.

Geeta's family were present in the courtroom and several held up pictures of the mother-of-two, who was murdered near the home of her child-minder in west London.

Two other men are being questioned in connection with the murder.

Sher Singh, 18, was charged last month. The third, an unnamed man, was arrested along with Harpreet and has been freed on bail until mid-January.

Harpreet was remanded in custody and told to appear again March 1, along with Sher Singh.