Widespread criticism of Groves trial "might be hitting a nerve"

Thursday 06 September 2018

The second of two days of hearings into the death of Sarah Groves in India has shown some encouraging developments, her father, Vic, has said.

There have so far been 128 hearings in the Magistrate's Court in Srinagar, all trying to establish whether Richard De Wit, a Dutch National, murdered Sarah Groves - an incident which took place now many years ago.

Yesterday, before the hearing officially began, the Judge met with the Groves' legal representative, and, following that meeting, impressed upon both the prosecution and the defence counsel the requirement to assist in bringing about a speedy conclusion to the trial.  

"The judge then, most significantly, referred to the negative international media coverage of the trial.  He again directed his comments to both the prosecution and the defence.  This is the first time that any such reference has been made to the negative publicity being gained and implies that some level of pressure was being brought the bear to rectify matters," he said.

"It is highly unlikely that these comments were prompted solely by the meeting beforehand with our legal representative or from letters we had written previously.  

"This is an encouraging development."

The court proceeded with the cross-examination of a man which first started in November last year - it concluded within one hour.

Si Kuldeep Koul was the senior on-site police officer at the scene of the crime in April 2013, and Richard De Wit wanted to question him in court, but was prevented from doing so. His imposed defence counsel was the only source of questioning allowed.  This led to an outburst from Richard de Wit who was "abusive towards SI Koul, accusing him of misappropriating many of his belongings including a substantial amount of cash, his laptop computer and his camera".

While this cross-examination finally being completed was a step forwards, no other witnesses appeared in court that day.

Mr Groves added: "Clearly actions will speak louder than words and much of what was said by the judge today has been said many times before.  That said, there was a more determined attitude displayed with the very first acknowledgement that egos and reputations were on the line.  At long last the widespread criticism of the trial and the system within which it is operating might be hitting a nerve.

"The real test lies at the next hearing.  How many of the witnesses will turn up?"

As part of the hearing, the Judge also implied that henceforth hearings would be scheduled on three consecutive days although only two dates have been set for next time.

Four witnesses have been called for the next hearings.  Two have been called by standard summons and two through warrants.