HC orders re-trial in explosives smuggling case

The Madras High Court today set aside the conviction of three Sri Lankan Tamils by a trial court for allegedly planning to smuggle cyanide and chemicals for making explosives for LTTE in 2008.
Criticising the Fourth Additional Sessions Judge for his March 3 last order, Justice S Nagamuthu said the accused had been sentenced for charges that were totally different from what been filed by the police.
The trial court had convicted and sentenced Navneetha Krishnan, Jayakumar and Ilankainathan to seven years imprisonment and also slapped a fine of Rs.6,000 on each of them.
Allowing their petitions, Justice Nagamuthu said there was no connection between the charge sheet and the sentence. Also, no evidence had been submitted to prove that the Sri Lankans had purchased the materials.

There was no proof of conspiracy either, the Judge said and remanded the case back to the trial court for a fresh hearing and directed it to complete the trial in four months.
Police should ensure that charges were framed properly.
The three, along with another person, Kannan, were arrested at Sakkimangalam here on the charge of planning to smuggle chemicals and cyanide by a boat.
Barring Jayakumar, others had obtained bail while Kannan was absconding since getting the relief.