Tamil Diplomat

Sirupiddy Youth’s murder case: Attempt by defence counsels to save the Army Officers fails, case goes to High Court

The application filed by the AALs of the accused in the Murder case of 2 Sirupiddy youths, in an attempt to get the accused released was rejected by Jaffna Magistrate Court , yesterday Thursday.

Non summary inquiry is for inquire at prima facie evidence and organize the witness. Hence it is the duty of the Magistrate court to undertake non-summary inquiry and transfer the case to the High Court.

This court rejects the submission of the defence that non-summary inquiry cannot be held on Photostats of the evidence, said Magistrate Sinnaththurai Satheestharan, in his order.

State council Nagarathnam Nishanth submitted in an earlier inquiry that when a witness is not available originals of statements should be produced. Here the witnessesw are appearing in person in the courts and hence Photostats could be used. Court adjourned the non-summary trial to September 6th.

On 1997 October 28th , two youths were abducted from Sirupiddy and killed. Atchuvely police arrested 16 Army men in connection with this murder.The accused were granted bail by Magistrate Court in 1998. Shelved thereafter the case was reopened in 2016 by Attorney General. 2 accused had been killed in war. Attorney General instructed that 9 suspects be released from this case. Other 5 accused were granted bail by the Magistrate Court.

It is notable that, the Military Police who undertook inquiries as back as in 1997 had recovered the chain and wrist watch of one youth from the Army camp.