Groves trial held-up by continuing covid-19 crisis

Monday 24 August 2020

The number of corona virus restrictions still in place in India - where 70,000 new cases are being reported per day - are making it "highly improbable" that there will be progress in the Sarah Groves murder trial any time soon.

No progress has been possible in trial of Dutchman Richard de Wit, who is accused of murdering Sarah on a houseboat in April 2013, since the 181st scheduled hearing six months ago.

Reasons include the non-appearance of witnesses, security concerns, but mainly covid-19. The court is officially shut until 31 August due to covid-19 lockdown regulations in force in Kashmir.

Sarah's father Vic said efforts have been made to hold hearings using virtual technology but this has not been possible for this hearing. The possibility of setting up a virtual link has also been discussed but not implemented. 

Pictured: Sarah's parents Kate and Vic Groves have been consistently frustrated in their pursuit of justice. 

"Consequently, yet again no progress was made," said Vic. "Covid-19 is still a major concern throughout India, where over three million people have the disease and new cases are being reported at the rate of 70,000 per day.

"The concept of using virtual technology has major problems in cases like this. Under trial prisoners can be linked up from the Central Jail but witnesses find it impossible to reach court without breaking lockdown regulations.

"While such restrictions are in force it is highly improbable that any progress will be made. Unfortunately, with such high levels of infection showing few signs of abating, there is a strong possibility that they will be extended beyond the date of the next scheduled hearing."

The next hearing, the 193rd of the protracted trial, is scheduled for Tuesday 1 September. 

Pictured top: Dutchman Richard de Wit stands accused of murdering Guernseywoman Sarah Groves on a houseboat in April 2013.