Eight among the nine accused remained absconding
Douglas Devananda
Chennai: Nearly three decades after the sensational murder of a worker at Choolaimedu, Chennai, a trial court is likely to commence proceedings against former Sri Lankan cabinet minister for traditional industries, Douglas Devananda, one among the nine accused in the case.
Additional public prosecutor M. Prabavathi has filed a petition before the judge IV, additional sessions court seeking to split the case and conduct the trial through video conferencing as per orders of Madras high court.
Thirunavukkarasu, a worker, was murdered in Choolaimedu. The murder case was registered against the former minister by Choolaimedu police station in 1986. In June 1994, additional sessions judge issued a Proclamation Warrant against Devananda treating him as absconding accused.
Eight among the nine accused remained absconding. The third accused, Devananda, of erstwhile EPRLF, moved the Madras high court to allow him to appear for trial through video conferencing from Sri Lanka.
Allowing the petition, the high court in September 2014, said that it was passing the order in the peculiar circumstances given the diplomatic status and the effect of NBW against the minister of a neighbouring nation may entail. The court also directed him to appear through video conferencing at the High Commission of India at Colombo, Sri Lanka as and when required. The court directed him to appear before the trial court in person when called upon to do so.
In the present petition, Prabavathi sought for splitting the case and direct Devananda to appear for trial through video conferencing. The judge adjourned the matter to November 17 for further hearing.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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