Accused acquitted

CHANDIGARH, Aug 20: A batala resident, accused of setting a shop on fire in Manimajra, has been acquitted by UT Additional District and Sessions Judge S S Lamba.

The accused, Surinder Pal Sood, was earlier booked by the Chandigarh Police under Section 436 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code on chowkidar Ram Bahadur8217;s complaint. Ram had alleged that the accused had threatened to stab him after he tried to stop him from setting a shop in Manimajra8217;s Rama Market on fire. He had added that the accused managed to escape after another chowkidar, Mani Ram, reached the spot upon hearing the alarm raised by him.

The prosecution, in support of its case, examined as many as 10 witnesses. The complainant was, however, not examined as he was in Nepal and the summons could not be served.

The Judge, after hearing the arguments observed: 8220;I have examined all 10 witnesses and I could not lay my hands upon any incriminating evidence appearing against him so as to examine him under Section 313 of the CrPC. I find that there is no direct evidence to connect the accused with the commission of the offence.8221;