A three-member trial-at-bar today (08) gave a divided verdict over the 08 October 2011 killings at Mulleriyawa.

The attorney general had filed 17 counts of charges against Silva and 12 other suspects.

Eight suspects were acquitted.

The others found guilty over the murders are Anura Thushara de Mel, Chaminda Ravi Jayanath alias Dematagoda Chaminda, Sarath Bandara and Janaka Bandara Galagoda (missing).

Delivering her verdict judge padmini N. Ranawaka said the violent conduct and the leadership of Silva had led to the killings.

Also, according to judicial medical reports, Silva had been under the influence of liquor at the time, while Premachandra had not.

Judge Shiran Gunaratne ruled that all the suspects be acquitted, saying there was no basis for the case due to the manner of arrest of Dematagoda Chaminda and investigators’ evidence against him.

After the death penalty was announced, the father and the sisters of Silva were seen weeping in the court.

So did, Bharatha’s daughter Hirunika, who was shocked and left the court.

In the meantime, around 100 supporters of Silva gathered at the court reacted to the verdict strongly, claiming it was unfair.

The convicts were taken to Welikada prison.