Hardened criminals freed due to 'faulty, weak charge sheet by IOs'

Most of the accused were acquitted due to "faulty and week charge sheet by IOs (investigation officer)", court sources said.

Set up in November 20 last year, the Speedy Trial Tribunal got its first case on December 9. Till June 25 this year, 22 cases were referred to the Tribunal. Of these, 14 have so have been disposed of.

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Eight accused were convicted in eight cases, while all the accused were acquitted in five other cases. One case was dismissed due to death of its lone accused, court sources said.

Failure by IOs to produce prosecution witnesses and submit charge sheet with credible evidences was the reason for acquittal of the accused.

The 22 cases so far sent to the Tribunal include one for murder, 12 under Arms Act, six under Narcotics Control Act, one under Explosives Act, one under Acid Act and one under Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.

All the chargesheeted 28 accused in the lone murder case were freed as their guilt could not be proved beyond doubt.

Eight chargesheeted accused convicted by the Tribunal include two who were given life term.

Most of the accused acquitted due to lack of evidences and faulty report by IOs are hardened criminals, according to prosecution witnesses.