Authorities sought answers from the parents when 13-year-old Aarushi Talwar was found dead with her throat slit in Noida, India on May 16, 2008. The unusual nature of the injury ruled out suicide, prompting investigators to treat it as a homicide. What followed was a complex investigation that unfolded like a thrilling whodunnit. Initially, suspicion fell on Hemraj Banjade, a 45-year-old domestic help at the Talwar residence, until his body was discovered decomposed on their terrace the following day. With two deaths and a botched crime scene handling, the focus soon shifted to Aarushi's own parents, Rajesh and Nupur Talwar.
Aarushi Talwar, born on May 24, 1994, was a student at Delhi Public School, living with her parents in Noida's Sector 25. Rajesh and Nupur Talwar worked at a local clinic and Fortis Hospital respectively. On the morning of May 16, 2008, the discovery of Aarushi's body by their housemaid Bharti, with her throat slit, marked the beginning of a series of mishandlings of evidence and media frenzy. Despite Rajesh Talwar's attempts to steer the investigation towards their missing domestic help, suspicion soon turned towards the Talwars themselves.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case amidst public scrutiny and found inconsistencies in witness testimonies. Initial suspects included Krishna Thadarai, another aide of the Talwars, who was later cleared due to lack of substantial evidence. The case saw a series of botched investigations and sensational claims, including the use of narco-analysis tests that were later deemed inadmissible in court. Despite reopening the investigation and changing teams, the CBI eventually pointed to Rajesh and Nupur Talwar as the prime suspects.
Critical to the CBI's case were suspicions around the Talwars' alibis and the handling of evidence at the crime scene. The prosecution argued that the absence of noise from Aarushi's room, coupled with the unusual activity on her internet router the night of the murder, implicated the Talwars further. Despite their claims of innocence and attempts to redirect suspicion, the circumstantial evidence built up against them.
The trial commenced in May 2013, ending with both Rajesh and Nupur Talwar being convicted in November 2013. However, the Allahabad High Court later acquitted them in 2017, citing insufficient evidence and procedural errors in the investigation. The case highlighted systemic flaws in India's criminal justice system and remains unsolved, leaving the question of who killed Aarushi Talwar unanswered.
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