Vidya murder: Seven accused sentenced to death

Seven accused in the gang rape and murder of schoolgirl Shivaloganathan Vidya (18) have been sentenced to death by a three judge Trial-at-Bar. 

The verdict was announced a short while ago at the Jaffna High Court. 

Vavuniya High Court Judge B. Sasi Mahendran is President of the Trial-at-Bar. The other members of the bench are Jaffna High Court Judge M. Ilancheliyan and Trincomalee High Court Judge A. Premashankar. 

Heavy security prevailed at the Jaffna High Court premises this morning as the accused were led into courts. The security cordon is still in place.  

Nine accused were on trial for the gang rape and murder of Shivaloganathan Vidya, which took place in 2015. 

The final verdict regarding other charges against the accused is still being read.  

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