Mumbai 146;93: Two Customs officers among three guilty

Special Judge Pramod Kode said Superintendent preventive S S Talwadekar and Inspector preventive Jayawant Gurav, who were with the Customs department in Shrivardhan 8220;did not act despite receiving specific information about the smuggling operation and thereby facilitated the commission of a terrorist act by intentionally aiding and abetting the terrorists after accepting money from them8221;. The judge, however, struck down the charge of criminal conspiracy against them.

Talwadekar was arrested in 1993 and released on bail five years later. Pronouncing the guilty verdict, Judge Kode observed that being a superintendent he was 8220;legally bound to prevent such an activity smuggling of arms8221;.

Regarding the landing operation at Shekadi, Talwadekar8217;s guilt has been proved to an extent. There was also evidence of him receiving a bribe, which has been corroborated with confessions and evidence from prime witnesses, the judge said. 8220;Everything is ruined if you commit such a serious mistake,8221; Judge Kode remarked.

The court, however, told the prosecution that 8220;little more evidence was needed which could have proven complete guilt8221;. Gurav has also served five years in custody. He has been found guilty of piloting two trucks loaded with arms.