Talwars want Nalini Singh, Anuj Arya as witnesses

Dentist couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, accused in the twin-murder of their daughter Aarushi and servant Hemraj, Tuesday demanded that journalist Nalini Singh and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official Anuj Arya record their statements in the trial court.

The parents gave an application in this regard on the first day of submitting the final arguments in the Aarushi-Hemraj twin-murder case.

Defence lawyer Manoj Shishodia said three servants - Raj Kumar, Krishna and Vijay Mandal - confessed during Narco-test conducted on them that they used to drink in Hemraj's room and listened to Nepali songs on television.

To confirm their claim, CBI deputy superintendent Anuj Arya contacted Nalini Singh and sought a list of songs telecast on television.

Though the songs were corroborated with the claim, the agency never put this on record despite the servants' claim and their corroboration on record. The CBI officer claimed that Nalini Singh would be called as witness but backtracked later.

After the CBI concluded its final arguments, Nalini Singh, during an NDTV@24 television debate Oct 14, claimed before the debate participants -- former CBI director R.K. Raghvan, senior advocate K.T.S. Tulsi and Tehelka managing editor Shoma Chaudhury -- that though CBI informed her she would be called as witness she was never called.

Anuj Arya received the CD pertaining to the songs.

"We have enclosed the CD along with our application and have requested the court to summon Nalini Singh and Anuj Arya because the timing of songs being telecast on television was the same as claimed by the servants during the narco-test," said the lawyer.

The CBI judge said he will Wednesday decide the defence prayer.

Earlier, the final arguments began after much efforts were made by the Talwars to delay for want of some evidence -- namely the forensic tests of servants be placed on record before final arguments take place.

However, on the initiative of the prosecution agency, the submission of final arguments could take place Oct 11 and lasted till Oct 17. The defence started submitting final arguments Oct 22.

Aarushi, 14, was found murdered at her parents' Noida residence May 16, 2008. Next day, Hemraj's body was found on the house terrace.