GRASSY KNOLL

grassy knoll
A metaphor and a source of irony when referring to a suspicion, conspiracy, or a cover-up of some type.
The death sentence awarded to the Talwar couple on charges of murdering their only child Aarushi raises more questions than it answers. But what I am speaking of is the media trial that shuts and seals many cases these days. The kind of sensationalism and insensitivity some sections of the media have gloried in the coverage of this case are nauseating.At one point, cheap allegations were made against the child Aarushi,regardless of her minor status.Detailed cell phone conversations were acted out on TV The child was deprived of any dignity by this tawdry mud-slinging.Most cultures glorify the dead beyond belief. Aarushi was vilified beyond belief.

People do get influenced by media coverage, there is no doubt. Recent examples are the Jessica Lal murder, the Anna Hazare movement, the December 2012 Delhi rape case.The Aarushi case has been tried by the media and public, and surely the legal fraternity, despite its sterling record, could have been influenced by this public trial. Undoubtedly, the judge has examined thge given evidence scrupulously. But there are too many grey areas still to be resolved. The CBI case has loopholes. Just one instance will reveal the police casualness in gathering evidence in  the aftermath of the murder. Hemraj’s body on the terrace was found one day after that of Aarushi.

Only the Talwar couple know whether or not they did commit the murders. If they didn’t, it is a devastating judgement. Not least because they live with the stigma of not only murder, but murder of their own child.I hope the Supreme Court makes the right decision either way.,