Kandy: Indictments on fifteen of the sixteen accused in the Walapane - Kumbukwela murder case in which nine deaths occurred during the terror period of 1988 were served by the High Court Judge of Kandy, Mr. Nissanka Udalagama.

The twelfth accused of the sixteen who was not present in court was directed to be present on August 20, to be served the indictment.

The sixteen accused are indicted on 29 counts which include of murder, causing grievous injuries and unlawful assembly, on December 12, 1988.

The non-summary inquiry into the case was held by the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate.

The High Court Judge Nissanka Udalagama fixed the trial for December 20.

BATTICLOA: A labourer of the Anti - Malaria Campaign R. Rajaratnam and his wife S. Nageswari residing at Chaghrukondan, Batticaloa, were shot dead last night by an unidentified gang of gunmen, police said.

The incident had occurred soon after they had finished dinner and relaxing at home, according to police.

Police are conducting investigations.