News and events

Three PTA victims acquitted by Vavuniya HC judge as State fails to submit evidence

2024-11-07

The victims, including one female, namely, Srisubramaniam Krisa, Kandappu Gajendran from the Vavuniya Periyapuliyalangulam area, and Kakaisingam Kandaruban from the Poonthotam area, were acquitted. They were arrested on receiving information that they were in possession of harmful weapons, like claymore shells, in Vavuniya, Chalambaikulam area in 2019. After being produced before the Vavuniya Magistrate's Court, a case was filed against the suspects, who were detained at the Vavuniya prison.

In 2023, the three suspects were released on bail while further inquiries were being carried out. Thereafter, an indictment was served, and a case was filed in the Vavuniya High Court by the Attorney General's Department claiming the alleged possession of weapons violated Section 21b of the Offensive Weapons Act No. 18 of 1996. However, the prosecution failed to substantiate these claims. The Judge noted that, apart from a chemical analysis report, the prosecution did not present any certificates or evidence required to establish the defendants guilt beyond a reasonable doubt under this Section.

In his ruling, Judge Manikkawasakar Ilancheliyan stated that the prosecution has failed to submit evidence that any wrongdoing has been committed beyond reasonable doubt, and therefore, as cited on Section 134 of the Evidence Ordinance, he ordered the acquittal of the three suspects.