Ghaziabad:
The trial of Aaurshi Talwar's parents has begun at a Ghaziabad court today. 13-year-old Aarushi was found dead in her home in Noida in May 2008. Her parents, Rajesh and Nupur, both dentists, have been accused of her murder. Though the CBI asked for judicial custody for the Talwars, the court has not ordered their arrest. The bail granted to Rajesh by the Suprme Court has been extended till April 11; Nupur has been asked to appear in this court within 30 days.
The media was not allowed into the court-room this morning, and nearly 35 police officers, all armed, are waiting outside. Rajesh Talwar was brought into court through the judge's chambers, in an apparent response to his concerns about his security. A few days ago, the Talwars had argued that their trial should be moved from Ghaziabad in UP to Delhi. They pointed out that in January 2011, Rajesh had been attacked by a man with a knife while entering the Ghaziabad court. The Supreme Court turned down their request, but ordered that hearings should be attended only by lawyers relevant to the proceedings.
Hours after Aarushi's body was found in her bed by her mother, the Talwars' domestic help, Hemraj, was discovered dead on their roof. Rajesh was arrested a week later by the Noida police, whose investigations provoked ardent criticism. The police officers failed to protect important evidence and made statements about Aarushi and her parents that amounted to character assassination. The CBI took over the case and said Rajesh had to be released from prison because there was no evidence against him.
A group of four domestic helpers who worked for the Talwars and their friends were then arrested for Aarushi and Hemraj's murders, but were also released because of lack of evidence.
In December 2010, the CBI asked for permission to close the case and said though it did not have enough evidence against Rajesh, it believed he was guilty. The court in Ghaziabad ordered the CBI to continue with its investigation and made Nupur a co-accused.