Child rape, murder suspects bailed

[TamilNet, Friday, 08 May 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A SLA soldier who was remanded for alleged sexual abuse of a seven year old child last year, in Pathaimeni in Achchuveli, in the Jaffna Peninsula was released on 2000 Rupees (USD 31) cash bail on May 4, said sources in Jaffna.

The suspect was produced before the District Judge, Mr. K. Balachchandran, who released him on bail as requested by his lawyer, S. Sivabalenthira.

The judge ordered the suspect to appear before the courts on June 5.

Meanwhile, 13 of the 16 SLA soldiers who are charged with abduction and double murder in Vaatharavathai, in Achchuveli, November last year, were released on cash bail 5000 Rs. (USD 80) each, on Wednesday.

Mr. S.Sivabalenthira and K. Nadarasa, lawyers who appeared on behalf of the SLA soldiers asked the court for their release on bail as they had been kept in the military custody for the last 5 months.

The judge, issuing the bail order, said suspects shall not be transferred to other parts of the island to carry the duties until the judgement is given.

The judgement will be given on May 22.

The judge also said that they have to obtain permission from the courts if they have to travel to other parts for personnel reasons.