MARGAO, Jan. 20 -- The District and Sessions Court South Goa on Tuesday acquitted former minister Ramesh Tawadkar of charges under Section 505(2) and 352 of the Indian Penal Code for criminal intimidation and assault and use of criminal force.

Reacting to the acquittal, the former minister said his conviction as a criminal conspiracy hatched by some persons, who wanted to end his political career.

"However it is the moral support of my well-wishers and the tedious efforts of my advocate, who got me acquitted within two hearings of my appeal and I am indebted to them," Tawadkar said while refusing to name the persons, who hatched the conspiracy against him and what action he would take against them.

It may be recalled that the lower cou...