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CBI claims Krishna murdered Aarushi, names two others as killers

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has found Nepali worker Krishna Thapa, who worked at the clinic of dentist Rajesh Talwar, along with two others, of being involved in the murder of Talwar's teenage daughter Aarushi.

Indo-Asian News Service reported that CBI gave clean chit to Talwar Whom Noida Police named as the prime suspect.

The CBI said that Krishna, along with Raj Kumar, the servant of the Durranis, close friends and colleagues of the Talwars who too lived in Noida, and Vijay Mandal, the servant of Talwars' neighbour, killed Aarusi on May 15 night in a premeditated conspiracy.

The CBI said that Krishna was the prime accused as he harboured ill-feelings towards the family after being humiliated by Rajesh Talwar in public. The agency also said that it has not been able to get any evidence against the Talwars in connection with the murder of their 14-year-old daughter and family help Hemraj.

The agency said that Krishna had gained a friendly entry on the night of incident to Talwars' Jalvayu Vihar residence in Noida as he knew Hemraj very well. Hemraj and Krishna consumed alcohol and were later given company by Raj Kumar and Vijay Mandal.

"The four men consumed alcohol and talked about Aarushi. After that they went to her room. However, when she tried to scream, she was gagged and hit on the forehead with a hard blunt object," CBI joint director Arun Kumar told a press conference.

"When Krishna, Raj Kumar and Vijay tried to sexually abuse Aarushi, it led to a scuffle with Hemraj. They then went to the terrace and killed Hemraj. They came back to Aarushi's room and slit her throat," said Kumar.

The CBI investigating team has corroborated its findings with scientific evidence gathered from the crime scene, IANS said.

The third accused Vijay Mandal was arrested by the CBI on Friday itself. Kumar said that the fact was corroborated by witnesses like the family's driver.

Meanwhile, a special court in Ghaziabad freed dentist Rajesh Talwar after the CBI gave clean chit to him.

The court set Talwar free after he furnished a personal bond and two sureties of Rs 500,000 each. nepalnews.com July 12 08