Hemraj’s Family Appeals in SC Against Talwars’ Acquittal

The Allahabad HC had acquitted Nupur and Rajesh Talwar, on 14 October on the grounds of ‘benefit of doubt’.

File Image of Nupur and Rajesh Talwar.

(Photo Courtesy: Hotstar)

Two months after the Allahabad High Court acquitted the Talwars in the Aarushi-Hemraj double murder case, Hemraj’s family filed a petition on Friday, 15 December, in the Supreme Court challenging the lower court’s decision.

The Allahabad HC had acquitted Nupur and Rajesh Talwar, Aarushi’s parents, on 14 October on the grounds of ‘benefit of doubt’. The couple were released from the Dasna jail in Ghaziabad after four years of imprisonment.

In an earlier exclusive to The Quint, Samir Singh, who has been guiding Hemraj’s family through the legal procedures, had indicated of the family’s displeasure with the Talwar’s acquittal.

Singh is Hemraj’s son-in-law’s employer, and has known Hemraj’s family for over 20 years. He has reportedly employed a Supreme Court lawyer to fight the case on a pro-bono basis.

Hemraj had worked as a domestic help in the Talwar household. His body was found 48 hours after he was murdered, on the terrace of the Talwars’ residence. The body was hidden behind a cooler panel.

Hemraj is survived by his wife, an elderly mother, and two children – all of whom live in Nepal. His daughter married Jeevan, who works for Noida-based Singh.

Singh also appealed for compensation for Hemraj’s family who had lost their sole bread winner.

The family is very emphatic that Hemraj died while working for the Talwars, under their watch. They feel justice has been denied to them. And they are looking for some compensation from the Talwars. Hemraj also wasn’t paid his last three months’ salary. The least they can do is pay his family his pending salary. 

Samir Singh

Currently, Hemraj’s family earns their livelihood through cattle grazing. His son, who was Aarushi’s age when the incident happened, is now pursuing a vocational course in mobile repair.