Date:03/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/03/stories/2008100360100300.htm

New Delhi

Aarushi murder accused leave India

New Delhi: Krishna and Rajkumar, prime accused in the Noida double murder case, have left the country for Nepal following their release from jail on bail that has raised questions over the fate of the case.

“Rajkumar’s parents are in Nepal. Moreover, Krishna’s family also hails from Nepal. So they have gone there,” Rajkumar’s lawyer Naresh Yadav said.

Krishna, compounder of Noida dentist Rajesh Talwar, is a prime accused in the murder of Aarushi and her domestic help Hemraj on the intervening night of May 15-16. Rajkumar, domestic help of Talwar’s family friends Durranis, is another accused in the case. Their departure for their home has raised questions whether they would be available for questioning should the need arise.

Mr. Yadav said both of them have left for Nepal about a week ago and their leaving India would not hamper any probe as they would always be available for investigation.

The double murder caught the attention of the nation following the arrest of Aarushi’s father Rajesh Talwar by police for the crime. However, he was later released as the CBI has not found any evidence against him.

The CBI arrested Rajkumar and Krishna terming them as prime accused. But the agency could not file chargesheet within the stipulated time due to lack of evidence. -- PTI