Law and disorder in Kashmir

Tuesday 23 July 2019

Hopes of progress in the Sarah Groves murder trial were once again dashed due to law and order issues in Kashmir.

Two hearings, the 163rd and 164th in the trial, had been scheduled for this week.

However, the first one of those scheduled hearings has proved a let down for the family of Sarah, who was killed on a houseboat in India in 2013. 

"The two hearings scheduled for earlier this month resulted in no progress whatsoever in the trial," said Sarah's father, Vic. "Hopes and expectations were high that the two hearings scheduled for this week would yield better results.

"Unfortunately, today’s scheduled hearing did not do so due to law and order issues in Kashmir. No under-trial prisoners were transported from jail to court today due to a lack of available Police resource.  No witnesses appeared in court.

"The prosecution sought and was granted an adjournment until tomorrow, the second of the two scheduled hearing dates this week.

"Once again, a disappointing outcome after two weeks of anticipation."

There was, however, one positive to be taken from proceedings. Following representations to the new Judge, who had been insisting that court papers were issued in Urdu, it was agreed to return to issuing papers in English. 

Pictured top: Left, Sarah Groves, and right, the man accused of murdering her, Richard de Wit.