An accused who was indicted before the Colombo High Court for transporting weapons and explosives at the Chilaw Old Road at Negombo on February 23, 2000 was acquitted by the Colombo High Court today.

The accused Chandrakumar Robert Pushparaj was arrested by the Terrorist Investigation Division allegedly for transporting explosives and weapons.

The case was heard for eleven years before several Magistrates and  High Court judges in Colombo and Negombo.

After the conclusion of the prosecution case before the Colombo High Court Judge Sunil Rajapakse, the accused was acquitted from the charges.

Judge Sunil Rajapakse delivering his verdict in favour of the accused observed the case was not proved beyond doubt.

The statement made by the suspect to the TID was not independent and voluntary.

He also said the prosecution had failed to establish that the productions forwarded were found in the vehicle in which the accused travelled.

The Judge observed the productions were without a seal and it was doubtful whether they were really recovered from the custody of the accused or not.

In considering these facts the High Court Judge acquitted the accused from the charges. (T.Farook Thajudeen)