Yet more delays in Groves murder trial

Monday 09 July 2018

The trial of the man accused of murdering Sarah Groves was due to resume on Saturday 7 July, but like so many previous occasions the case didn't progress.

It was the 122nd scheduled hearing in the trial, but the Groves family legal representative in Srinagar said a general strike called by the separatists seeking independence from mainstream India prevented any progress from being made.

The man accused of killing Miss Groves; Richard de Wit, was "unable to be brought to court due to a lack of police escorts, no witnesses were present, and the case was immediately adjourned."

The judge ordered the Prosecutor to produce three witnesses for the next scheduled hearing on Monday 23 July.

Miss Groves family released a statement after the latest setback in Mr de Wit's trial. Her father: Vic Groves, said this latest delay was "not unexpected."  

"Firstly, the separatists usually call for general strikes on a Saturday and this week was no exception," he said. "The court sits on a Saturday once a month and in the history of the trial, very few hearings have been successfully held on a Saturday.

"Secondly, there are very serious political issues in Kashmir at this time.  Last month, the Chief Minister, Mrs Mehbooba Mufti, was summarily dismissed from office and was replaced by a system known as Governor’s Rule.  This effectively places Kashmir under direct control from Delhi, a situation abhorred by the separatists and seen as immensely provocative."

Mrs Groves family and friends have been pushing for justice for the young woman since her death in April 2013, including launching a petition aimed at forcing the British government to intervene.

Mr Groves said; "as stated in the last media release on 21 June, we are finding it very difficult to influence proceedings in even the smallest of ways.  Local people, from whom we receive regular reports on what life is like in Kashmir, describe the current situation as worse than ever.  People are being advised to stay at home for their own safety and the immediate future looks very bleak."

Only one witness has given evidence to the court so far in 2018, and despite the trial already lasting five years, 15 more witnesses are yet to be heard.

Pictured top: Richard de Wit and Sarah Groves. He denies murdering her on a houseboat in Kashmir in 2013.