Aarushi case: Defence questions CBI’s claim on seized pillow

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The defence in the Aarushi-Hemraj murder case on Wednesday questioned the authenticity of the CBI's claim that a pillow presented as evidence was recovered from the teenager's room after the official marking on the sealed bag showed it was taken from Hemraj's room.

During cross-examination of Central Forensic Science Laboratory scientist B.K. Mahapatra, which concluded on Wednesday, a defense counsel alleged that the prosecution witness and CBI were giving 'contradictory' statements.

The lawyer said the CBI had claimed that a pillow belonging to Aarushi's slain domestic help Hemraj was recovered from her room.

He said the CBI's claim was wrong and the pillow was actually seized from Hemraj's room as mentioned on the seal of the evidence.

The pillow was presented in a sealed cloth bag, which also carried other items seized from Hemraj's room, in the court of CBI Special Judge S. Lal.

Public prosecutor R.K. Saini said the investigating officer of the CBI told the court that he would 'clarify' this observation on Thursday.

Mahapatra's cross-examination concluded today and the court adjourned the proceeding for Thursday.

Aarushi, 14, was found murdered at her parents' Noida residence May 16, 2008 while the body of the family's domestic help Hemraj was found the next day on the terrace of the house.

Aarushi's parents — Rajesh and Nupur Talwar — are facing trial in the double murder case.