Ex-Naxal acquitted in blast case

RAJAHMUNDRY: Sixth additional principal sessions judge K Balarama Raju on Wednesday acquitted former Naxalite and the then Andhra Orissa Border (AOB) deputy commander Komali Seshagiri Rao alias Gopanna in a landmine blast case. Five CRPF jawans died and 14 otherswere injured in the landmine blast that took place on September 9, 2001. A group of Naxalites planted the landmine under a culvert in a forest area near Maredumilli. The police named Gopanna as the prime accused in the case. Gopanna was arrested at Anand Regency Hotel in Rajahmundry on March 3, 2005. He was produced before the third additional principal sessions judge on March 7, 2005. A case was registered against him under the Indian Arms Act and Explosive Substance Act. After examining 25 witnesses in the case, the judge acquitted Gopanna as the prosecution failed to gather enough evidence to prove his involvement in the landmine blast.