News and events

PTA Detainee released following twelve years detention

2023-01-26

Thillairaj was released today after being arrested in 2011 and in remand. The alleged offence was that he along with others unknown to the prosecution conspired and by a missile attack in the year 1998 caused the crash of Lion Air aircraft with 38 passengers all of whom died in the incident.

Last year his confession was rejected by court. Even then prosecution insisted that the case will proceed with available witnesses. The defence made application under Section 200 of the CPC that no prima facie case has been established therefore not to call for the defence. Court held with the Defence and acquitted the Accused.

Now that Thillairaj's twelve-year ordeal being over he is now heading from Mannar to Navali, Manipay his native village in a private van accompanied by his younger brother. Thillairaj will be seeing his old and feeble mother for the first time in over a decade. The old lady's wish to see her son at least once before she breaths her last may be the only thread of hope that keeps her alive.

Last year his confession was rejected by court. Even then prosecution insisted that the case will proceed with available witnesses. The defence made application under Section 200 of the CPC that no prima facie case has been established therefore not to call for the defence. Court held with the Defence and acquitted the Accused. Now that Thillairaj's twelve-year ordeal being over he is now heading from Mannar to Navali, Manipay his native village in a private van accompanied by his younger brother. Thillairaj will be seeing his old and feeble mother for the first time in over a decade. The old lady's wish to see her son at least once before she breaths her last may be the only thread of hope that keeps her alive.