Goa govt challenges acquittal of suspected terrorist

Panaji, Jul 18 (UNI) The Goa government today filed a petition in Panjim bench of Bombay High Court, challenging the acquittal of an alleged Kashmir-based terrorist, Tariq Batlo, by a fast-track here recently.

The lower court had acquitted Batlo on ''benefit of doubt'', saying the prosecution had failed to ''prove the case beyond reasonable doubt''. He was later reportedly arrested in Delhi as he landed at the airport on acquittal.

The prosecution's case was that Batlo was arrested at Margao railway station in Goa with some explosives and RDX on March 10, 2006, and had been staying in the state for resorting to disruptive activities.

In the appeal, the police questioned the intention of Batlo, who was getting huge income for maintenance, and reasons behind moving with three names in Goa.

The police also disputed the defence's contention that Batlo was arrested on March 3 instead of 10 and was kept in illegal custody.

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