Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Conditional bail for accused in Army convoy attack case

CHENNAI: “Destruction of public property cannot be encouraged any more. It is unfortunate that an Army convoy has been obstructed and such an incident cannot be taken lightly,” the Madras High Court said on Thursday.

In his order granting conditional bail to Krishnaswamy and nine others belonging to the MDMK and the PUCL in a case relating to the attack on Army vehicles near the Neelambur L and T junction in Coimbatore district in May, Justice R.Regupathi appreciated “the discipline of those Army personnel who acted with great responsibility and remained calm in spite of the unruly behaviour and damage caused to their vehicles.”

The Government Advocate (criminal side) submitted that out of 300 persons, 41 had been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Three had been detained under the National Security Act and the other accused were absconding. Investigation was on.

The petitioners’ counsel said the incident took place at a time when the war was on in Sri Lanka.

The mob believed that the weapons in the Army convoy were to be supplied to the Sri Lankan Army.

The MDMK headquarters secretary and the general secretary of the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry units of PUCL had filed affidavits stating that they had been, all along, fighting for the welfare of Sri Lankan Tamils.

They had expressed regret for the incident and said that similar occurrence would not take place in future. They were willing to render community service and abide by any condition imposed by the court.

Mr. Justice Regupathi said the petitioners would be released on bail on their executing a bond for Rs.10,000 with one surety for a like sum to the satisfaction of the Judicial Magistrate, Palladam. He directed the petitioners to report before an orphanage, named by the magistrate, and do service there for three hours a day for one week.

On completion, they should produce before the magistrate a certificate in that regard from the Head of the orphanage.

They should report to the police concerned for a day and thereafter as and when required.

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