Date:31/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/31/stories/2006013118640400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Accused in hooch tragedy withdraws bail petitions

Staff Reporter

18 bail applications were filed before the Karnataka High Court

The accused have also been booked under provisions of the Karnataka Excise Act

BANGALORE: An accused in the hooch tragedy in Nelamangala in 2005 in which 24 persons lost their lives, withdrew all 18 bail applications that were filed before the Karnataka High Court.

Justice Hulavadi G. Ramesh dismissed the petition as withdrawn.

Sampath Kumar (45) of Magadi Road was arrested after the death of several villagers in and around Nelamangala in Bangalore Rural district after they consumed illicit liquor.

Kumar was accused of having distributed the liquor.

He is among 22 others who have been arrested in 21 cases booked by the Bangalore Rural district police. The charges include Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 272 (adulteration of food or drink), 273 (sale of noxious food or drink) and 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).

The accused have also been booked under provisions of the Karnataka Excise Act.