Soren, 13 others acquitted in 3-decade-old Chirrudih massacre case

Jamtara, Mar 6 (UNI) A local court today acquitted former Union Coal Minister Sibu Soren and 13 others in the more than three-decade-old Chirrudih massacre case in which 11 people were killed.

First class additional and district sessions court Judge Arun Kumar acquitted the 14 accused giving them ''benefit of doubt''.

The court would pronounce the quantum of punishment for remaining seven convicts tomorrow.

Altogether 21 people had been facing trial for the massacre that had taken place on January 23, 1975, in which 11 people were killed and dozens of houses torched at Chirrudih under Narayanpur police station in the district.

Mr Soren, also the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha president resigned as Coal Minister following an non-bailable warrant against him in the case.

The JMM chief had also been jailed in connection with murder of his personal assistant Shashinath Jha. But it was later dismissed by the Delhi High Court due to lack of evidence.

UNI XC-AM-PRS KK YA RN1711