Agartala: The Additional District and Sessions judge of West Tripura on Wednesday found three NLFT insurgent guilty in Jarulbachi massacre of Agartala under section 302, 120 (B) of Indian Panel Code and section 27 of Arms Act.
However, the court reserved the quantum of punishment and scheduled to declare it on December 4 for the three convicted insurgents identified as Mangal Debbarma, Falguni Debbarma and Binoy Debbarma.
In the second phase, trial was conducted against six NLFT militants accused of killing 15 innocent civilians, including women and children, and burning down the houses in Jarulbachi area of Agartala on February 11, 1997.
The court acquitted three of the accused due to lack of substantial evidence.
Earlier, the then Additional District and Sessions judge Subhash Bhattacharjee had given capital punishment to Achak Debbarma the prime accused of the carnage while life term rigorous imprisonment to Gandhi Debbarma for killing of the villagers.
However, Achak’s execution is pending with the Supreme Court, Gandhi is still absconding and police issued red corner notice against him.
The case was investigated by CID and charge-sheet was filed against altogether 11 extremists for their involvement in the carnage.
Trial for the five among 11 militants including Achak Debbarma and Gandhi Debbarma was conducted in the first phase in 2005. (UNI)
