Covid concerns and civil unrest delay Groves trial

Tuesday 11 August 2020

It's been more than five months since any progress was made in the trial of the man accused of murdering Sarah Groves, with further delays expected as Kashmir courts continue to deal with corona virus and security concerns.

The last scheduled hearing that could actually go ahead as planned was back in February and, since then, the case has had to be pushed back for numerous reasons including non-appearance of witnesses and civil unrest.

The 191st hearing had been scheduled to take place on Saturday, but covid-19 lockdown measures in Srinagar City meant it couldn't go ahead.

While corona virus is still a major concern throughout India - with record numbers of new cases being recorded - it is unclear how long the tight restrictions will remain in force.

Pictured: Covid-19 remains a big concern throughout India (file image).

Further civil unrest is also expected in the coming weeks, which could cause more delays.

It's partly down to the revocation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which happened on 5 August last year. It means that Kashmir will no longer enjoy a level of autonomy from the State of India that the region has had for 72 years. 

"This was an unpopular move amongst the local population as Kashmir was to become fully integrated into the State of India as a Union Territory along with all other parts of the country," said Vic Groves, Sarah's father. 

"Next week, on 15^th August, it will be Independence Day in India. This date in the annual calendar is also a trigger point for civil unrest in Kashmir due to its own wish not to be part of India at all."

The next hearing has been scheduled for 21 August, although it is still unclear whether the trial will be able to continue on that date.

Pictured top: Sarah Groves, who was murdered on a houseboat in Kashmir in 2013.