Murder case: eight acquitted

Kapila Somaratne Panadura group correspondent

Panadura Provincial High Court Judge Kusala Sarojani Weerawardena who concluded the trial of a 15 - year - old murder case, acquitted eight accused indicted by the Attorney General with committing the murder of Anthony Stephen Silva of Koralawella, Moratuwa on January 24, 1996. The judge said in open court that the prosecution had not proved the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt and therefore the court acquitted the accused When the judgment was delivered on Friday, the deceased's relatives who were in court, broke into tears and created a scene by shouting in court.

Police had to remove them from the court precincts.

The accused in the case are Mahatelge Siri Nimal Perera, T S Nisahantha Fernando, W M Sugath Perera, Mahatelge Mahinda Perera, M Prasanna Fernando, Mahatelge Vigitha, Mallika Peris and K Neil Fernando

They were indicted by the Attorney General with committing the murder of S Anthony Stephen Silva on January 24, 1996 by stabbing him with sharp instruments. This was following a row between two families in Koralawella, Moratuwa.

Attorney at law Sumedha de Perera defended the accused.

The judge warned those acquitted not to create a scene after returning home. They were acquitted due to the lack of evidence.