Gujarat High Court
Ladhabhai Karsanbhai Bariya(Koli) & ... vs State Of Gujarat on 9 April, 2014
Author: Bhaskar Bhattacharya
Bench: Chief Justice
R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT
CR.A1452009Rj2.doc
IN THE HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT AT AHMEDABAD
CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 145 of 2009
With
CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 261 of 2011
FOR APPROVAL AND SIGNATURE:
HONOURABLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE Sd/-
MR. BHASKAR BHATTACHARYA
HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE Sd/-
J.B.PARDIWALA
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1 Whether Reporters of Local Papers may be allowed Yes
to see the judgment ?
2 To be referred to the Reporter or not ? No
3 Whether their Lordships wish to see the fair copy No
of the judgment ?
4 Whether this case involves a substantial question No
of law as to the interpretation of the constitution of
India, 1950 or any order made thereunder ?
5 Whether it is to be circulated to the civil judge ? No
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LADHABHAI KARSANBHAI BARIYA(KOLI) & ANR
Versus
STATE OF GUJARAT
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Appearance:
MR MADANSINGH O BAROD, ADVOCATE for the Appellants.
MR KP RAVAL, ADDL. PUBLIC PROSECUTOR for the Respondent.
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CORAM: HONOURABLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE
MR. BHASKAR BHATTACHARYA
and
Page 1 of 53
R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT
HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE J.B.PARDIWALA
Date : 09/04/2014
CAV JUDGMENT
(PER : HONOURABLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE MR. BHASKAR BHATTACHARYA)
1. Both these appeals were taken up together and are disposed of by the present common judgment as in the court below also, the Sessions Cases No. 64 of 2008 and 65 of 2008, from which the present appeals arise, were heard analogously and disposed of by a common judgment.
2. These Criminal Appeals are at the instance of the convicts and are directed against the orders of conviction and the consequent sentences passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court No.1, Bhavnagar, in Sessions Cases Nos. 64 of 2008 and 65 of 2008 thereby holding the appellants guilty for the offence punishable under section 302 read with section 34 of the Indian Penal Code and section 135 of the Bombay Police Act and consequently, passing the order of life imprisonment and further fine of Rs.5000/- for the offence punishable under section 302 read with section 34 of the Indian Penal Code with a further stipulation that in default of payment of the fine, the convicts will suffer rigorous imprisonment for further three months. The learned Sessions Judge further imposed simple imprisonment for 2 months and a fine of Rs.100/- for the offence punishable under section 135 of the Bombay Police Act with a further condition that in default of payment of fine, the convicts will suffer Page 2 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT simple imprisonment for 15 days. The accused Ladhabhai Karshanbhai was, however, acquitted by the learned Sessions Judge under section 235 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure by giving benefit of doubt from the offence punishable under section 66(1)(B) and 85 (1)(3) of the Bombay Prohibition Act. The learned Sessions Judge further ordered that the accused persons would undergo the sentences imposed upon them concurrently.
3. The translated version of the charge in Sessions Case No. 64 of 2008 is quoted below:
"That the deceased of this case Arjanbhai Bachubhai and the accused of this case and the the accused persons of supplementary chargesheet (S.C.No.97/08), all the three persons in that way were sitting to enjoy liquor party and gambling. In the meantime as there was altercation with respect to wining and losing, in furtherance of the intention of the accused persons of this case and the accused persons of the supplementary chargesheet, the accused of this case caused fatal injuries with an iron crowbar and knife on the chest part and hip part to the deceased and the accused of the supplementary chargesheet caused fatal injury to the deceased on back part and hip part with a spade and thereby, you have committed punishable offence under section 302 and 34 of IPC and section 135 of B.P. Act within the jurisdiction of this court.
Therefore, I order that trial of the above stated offences be conducted against you by this court for the punishable offence under section 302 and 34 of IPC and section 135 of B.P. Act."
Page 3 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT
3.1 Similarly, further charge in Sessions Case No. 65 of 2008 is as follows:
"I frame further charges against the accused of this case Ladha Karshan of Sessions Case No. 65/08 as per order at Exh- 2 of Sessions Case No. 64/08 that you have committed offence under section 66(1) (b), 85(1)(2)(3) of Bombay Prohibition Act. Therefore, I order that trial of the above stated offences be conducted against you by this court."
4. The case made out by the prosecution may be summed up thus:
4.1 One Odhabhai Kanjibhai Baraiya made a complaint alleging that the deceased Arjanbhai Bachubhai and the accused persons were sitting together for consuming liquor and gambling. While gambling, there was an altercation between the deceased and the accused persons on the question of result of the gambling. Consequently, the accused No. 1 Ladhabhai Karshanbhai caused fatal injuries to the deceased on chest and thigh part with an iron bar and knife and the accused No. 2 Raghavbhai Karshanbhai caused injury to the deceased Arjanbhai on back and thigh part with spade, resulting in the death of Arjanbhai. The accused, by violating the notification of the District Magistrate , Bhavnagar of prohibition to keep arms, committed further offence. Consequently, a complaint in this regard was given before P.S.I. of Dhodha Police Station and an offence was registered Page 4 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT against the accused persons under sections 302 of the Indian Penal Code read with section 34 of Indian Penal Code and section 135 of Bombay Police Act, vide I-C.R. No. 83/07 of Dhodha Police Station. As the accused Ladhabhai Karshanbhai Baraiya was found publicly in a drunken condition on the day of the incident, an offence under sections 66(1)(b), 85(1) (3) of the Prohibition Act was registered against him, vide Pro. C.R. NO. 10/08 of Dhodha Police Station. 4.2 Investigation of the offence was conducted from the complaint indicated above and as it was found that the accused persons have committed the offences, they were arrested. The accused persons have not been released on bail and are in judicial custody. 4.3 As sufficient evidence was found against the accused, charge sheet and supplementary charge sheet were filed against them as per the provision of section 173 of the Criminal Procedure Code in the court of Judicial Magistrate First Class. As the case was exclusively triable by the court of Sessions, the learned Magistrate committed the case to the Sessions Court under section 209 of the Criminal Procedure Code and the Sessions Court registered the cases viz.
Sessions Case No. 64/08, 65/08 and 97/08.
4.4 The charge as per section 228 of the Criminal Procedure Code was framed against the accused persons. The particulars of the charges were read over to them.
Page 5 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT 4.5 The accused persons denied the charges and claimed to be tried.
4.6 In the trial, the prosecution produced the following witnesses in support of the prosecution case:
Sl.N Name of witnesses PW No. Exh.No.
o
1 Odhabhai Kanjibhai Baraiya (the complainant) No.1 Exh.10
2 Bhikhubhai Kalubhai (panch witness) No.2 Exh.12
3 Panchabhai Nathubhai Vegad (panch witness No.3 Exh.13
4 Bhopabhai Ravjibhai Baraiya (Eye-witness) No.4 Exh.41
5 Pravin Premaji Baraiya (eye-witness) No.5 Exh.42
6 Amarabhai Jinabhai Solanki (P.S.O.) No.6 Exh.45
7 Dr. Jaswant Amrutbhai Darji No.7 Exh.47
( who conducted P.M.)
8 Vanrajsinh Sardarsinh No.9 Exh.50
(Police Constable , P.S.O.)
9 Bhupatbhai Rambhai Tairaiya No.10 Exh.54
(the Investigating Officer)
4.7 The prosecution also produced the following pieces of
documentary evidence in support of its case:-
Sl Description of documents Exh. No.
No
1 The complaint Exh.11
2 Discovery Panchnama Exh.14
3 Panchnama of the place of the offence Exh.15
4 Panchnama of police dog-track Exh.16
5 Panchnama of arresting the accused Ladhabhai Exh.17
Page 6 of 53
R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT
6 Panchnama of arresting the accused Raghavbhai Exh.18
7 Seizure Panchnama Exh.19
8 Panchanama of seizing blood sample Exh.20
9 Inquest Panchanama Exh.21
10 Post mortem form Exh.22
11 Post mortem report Exh.23
12 Certificate of Medical Officer of P.H.C. showing cause Exh.24 of death of the deceased 13 Muddamal dispatch note Exh.25 14 Receipt of receiving the muddamal by F.S.L Exh.26 15 Letter showing sample of seal Exh.27 16 Letter of F.S.L. Exh.28 17 Analysis report of F.S.L. Exh.29 18 Form of calling police dog Exh.55 19 Report of the Forensic Officer, Bhavnagar Exh.30 20 Yadi for conducting P.M. Exh.31 21 Yadi for taking blood sample of the accused Exh.32 Ladhabhai 22 Yadi for sending certificate of treatment of the Exh.33 accused Ladhabhai 23 Transfer form for treatment of the accused Ladhabhai Exh.34 24 First Information Report of C.R. No. II 57/07 Exh.51 25 Final report No. 3/08 of C.R. No. II 57/07 Exh.52 26 Application to Talati-cum-Mantri for obtaining copy Exh.35 27 Copy of village form No. 6. Exh.36 28 Yadi of P.S.O. for registration of the offence Exh.37 29 Yadi to take over the charge of the investigation. Exh.38 30 Yadi of report to the Higher Officer Exh.39 31 Report of the offence to the Police Superintendent. Exh.40 32 The complaint of P.S.I. Teraiya Exh.56 33 Yadi to P.S.O. to register the offence Exh.57 34 Yadi to take over the charge of investigation Exh.58 35 Yadi to the Medical Officer, Dhodha for taking blood Exh.59 sample of the accused 36 Form- A in respect of medical examination of the Exh.60 accused and obtaining sample.
Page 7 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT 37 Form -C of Forensic report of blood test of the Exh.61 accused.
4.8 Statements of the accused persons under section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure were recorded where they have denied all the allegations and their defence was that they have been falsely implicated in the present cases. The accused persons, however, did not give any evidence of their own.
4.9 As indicated earlier, the learned Sessions Judge, on consideration of the materials on record, held the accused persons guilty of the offences and accordingly, inflicted the sentences as indicated earlier. As stated above, Ladhabhai Karshanbhai was acquitted by the learned Sessions Judge of the offence punishable under section 66(1)(B) and 85 (1)(3) of the Bombay Prohibition Act.
5. Being dissatisfied, the two convicts have preferred these two separate appeals.
6. Mr. Barod, the learned advocate appearing on behalf of the appellants laboriously contended before us that in the facts of the present case, the learned Sessions Judge committed substantial error in misappreciating the evidence on record and in convicting the appellants for the offence punishable under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. According to Mr. Barod, it appears that it was the deceased who had first attacked the accused No.1 and as a result, he Page 8 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT had in self-defence inflicted injuries to the deceased persons. Mr. Barod, therefore, prays that the appellant No.1 should be acquitted of the charge of murder and at the most can be convicted under section 304 Part-I of the Indian Penal Code. As regards the appellant No.2, according to Mr. Barod, the fate of this appellant will depend upon the conviction, or acquittal of the appellant No.1 or conversion to offence punishable under section 304 Part I of the Indian Penal Code.
7. Mr. Raval, the learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing on behalf of the State-respondent, on the other hand, opposed the aforesaid contention of Mr. Barod and has submitted that in the facts of the present case, it is apparent that there were 17 injuries inflicted upon the victim by the accused persons, and, as such, no question of either acquittal for the private defence or for converting the offence to one under section 304 Part I arises. Mr. Raval, therefore, prays for dismissal of the appeals.
8. Therefore, the only question that arises for determination in these appeals is whether the learned Sessions Judge was justified in convicting the appellants for offences indicated earlier and passing the consequent sentence.
9. Before we proceed to consider the respective submission of the learned counsel for the parties, we propose to give a short resume of the evidence given by the prosecution witnesses. Page 9 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT
10. The complainant, Odhabhai Kanjibhai Baraiya, was examined as PW. No. 1. In his examination-in-chief, he has stated that he is a resident of Sarvadar village and he does farming. He has five bighas of farm land. When he was on his wadi on 12 th November 2007 in the evening, the sarpanch of their village, Jagabhai Sadabhai Gohil, informed that his nephew Arjan Bachubhai was lying on the slop of his farm at Khajuriya. On getting this information, he went to the Date farm along with Sarpanch Jagabhai, Oghadbhai Bachubhai, Dashrath Ukabhai, and Mohanbhai Narshibhai.
10.1 According to this witness, they went to the shed of wood made at the edge of the farm. Arjanbhai Bachubhai was lying there upside down and he seemed dead. His nephew Arjanbhai Bachubhai and his brother Nanubhai both are unmarried and both of them lived in the Khajuriya farm. Their father was polishing diamonds at home. They felt that the deceased Arjan was killed by someone by inflicting blows of sharp weapon and spade. He, therefore, lodged complaint in this respect in the police station on 12th November 2007. He has proved the complaint and his thumb impression thereon. 10.2 This witness further stated that the police recorded his statement. As the old house of Arjanbhai Bachubhai and his brother which was in the village had collapsed, they were living on Khajuriya farm. He has dictated his statement to the police and the facts Page 10 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT dictated therein are true. He did not know anything about the incident that Radha Krushna Raghav Karshan and Arjanbhai were gambling and drinking liquor in the date farm. He came to know about it when Nanubhai told him. He has identified the accused persons in the court.
10.3 In the cross-examination by the learned advocate for the accused, this witness has admitted that he has come to know about the incident from hearsay. He has not seen the incident in person. He has stated the facts about the incident after he went to the farm. He has not seen anything as to how the incident occurred.
11. PW.No.2, Bhikhubhai Kalubhai, in his examination-in-chief has stated that the police called him to Ghogha Police Station before eight to ten months. They were called to prepare panchnama. Panchabhai Nathubhai was the other panch. The police took them at four o'clock saying that panchnama is to be drawn. The police explained that they have to go to draw panchnama with the accused Raghabhai Karshanbhai and the police persons. His signature was obtained as a panch in the police station after they returned. They went from Ghogha in police jeep to Sarvadar village. They went to a farm. Other than these two persons, there were two other persons with the police. He did not know as to who they were. Thereafter, they went to the farm. They went around the farm but they did not know anything else. He has not seen a feeder drain at the place. Page 11 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT 11.1 This witness was declared hostile and at the instance of the learned APP, he was cross-examined. In his cross-examination by the APP, he has denied that they left from Ghogha in jeep and reached Sarvardar village via Ugavadar and Sanovadar Patiya. This jeep was stopped in front of a farm. He was seated in the jeep. This witness has thereafter stated that he got down and sat down. The remaining persons went somewhere. He has denied that he got down from the jeep and went to the shed at Khajuriya farm with the police and the accused. He has also denied that they passed from the edge of the farm and went to a place shown by the accused near a bush of berry tree. Playing cards were lying over there in scattered condition. This witness has stated that he did not see the police seizing the playing cards and the plastic can lying around it. The glasses for drinking liquor were lying over there and there was smelling of liquor. This witness further stated that he has not seen that the police seizing the can and glasses.
11.2 This witness has further stated that he has not seen and dictated in that panchnama that one vessel with soot on the outer part was lying there. He saw that police and their staff were going here and there, except that he has not seen anything else. It has not happened that he went to the tamarind tree of the farm via the trees of dates on the foot-track, got down on the slop on the western side, via the farm of Gagji Rupabhai, via the patch of land of Kalu Uka, via Page 12 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT the southern side of the back part of the house of the accused in the farm via a deep road near the trees of dates tree, via the farm of Khadubha Gohil. One pant and a shirt with scattered blood stains were there in the stack of jowar grass and the blood on the left side pocket of the shirt were dried and it was torn and it has not happened that the same was seized. This witness has denied that this pant and shirt were seized in his presence.
11.3 This witness has also denied that in his presence a knife with wooden handle and 4.5 inch blade was seized by the police from this place. He has also denied that the police seized any crowbar before him. He has also denied that he has seen all the facts written in the panchnama or that these articles were seized in his presence by the police by drawing panchnama. Time of about half an hour to forty five minutes might have taken for all these proceedings and they came back from this place in the same police jeep in which they had gone.
11.4 This witness has denied that though this procedure was conducted in his presence, he was giving a false deposition.
12. PW. No.3, Panchabhai Nathubhai Vegad, in his examination-in-chief has stated that as the Ghogha police called him, Bhikhubhai Babubhai and he went to Ghogha Police Station. The police did not tell him anything as to where they were going for Page 13 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT panchnama. Thereafter, he and the other panch Bhikhubhai Kalubhai and the police persons and the the accused present in the court went in police jeep to Sarvadar village. He has identified accused Raghav Karshan who was in the Court as the same person who was with them in the police jeep.
12.1 According to this witness, the jeep was stopped at Sarvadar village near a farm. He did not know as to where the remaining persons went after getting down from the jeep. 12.2 This witness was declared hostile, and at the instance of the learned APP, he was cross-examined. In his cross-examination, he has denied that he was not able to see as to what these all persons were doing after getting down from the jeep. He has also denied that they got down from the jeep and went to the farm of Khajuriya and they walked further from there and went via the foot-track from the hut to the bush of berry tree where the deceased Arjanbhai and the accused of this case were gambling after drinking liquor. He has made signature in the panchnama. The first signature is that of Bhikhubhai Kalubhai. He has identified his signature as panch No.2. This witness has stated that the police did not seize any article in his presence.
13. Bhopabhai Ravjibhai Baraiya, PW. No.4, in his examination-in-chief has stated that he is a resident of Sarvadar village with his family and he was doing agricultural work to maintain Page 14 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT his family. He was at home on 11th November 2007 and as he did not have any work to do, he went to bring a jar of buttermilk. He went to the farm of Arjanbhai which is known as Khajuriya vadi to bring the jar of buttermilk. He was to take the jar from Arjanbhai. The deceased Arjanbhai and Nanubhai, were living alone in the Khajuriya wadi. He reached there at about four to half past four hrs. The deceased Arjanbhai Bachubhai, Ladhabhai Karshanbhai and Raghavbhai Karshanbhai were at that time gambling. As he asked his jar from Arjanbhai, he told him as to work he had had at that time and asked him to wait for some time. All these three persons were gambling and drinking liquor. Thereafter, Arjanbhai told him that the fermentation of jaggery for brewing liquor is there opposite to the babul tree and asked him to boil that and brew some liquor for them and he brewed the liquor. He took this liquor in a plastic jar and gave to Arjanbhai, Raghavbhai and Ladhabhai. In the meantime, Pravin Premji of their village passed from there and he also sat down with these persons. This witness also sat down with these persons to gamble. 13.1 According to this witness, Arjanbhai won in the gambling but the others denied to give that money, and therefore, there was altercation among them. All these three persons were having altercation and were speaking abusive words loudly. Arjanbhai picked up a crowbar lying beside and gave a blow with it to Ladhabhai Karshanbhai on the left side below the shoulder. Ladhabhai snatched away that crowbar and inflicted a blow to Arjanbhai. Arjanbhai Page 15 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT sustained a blow of this crowbar on the left side of chest. Raghavbhai immediately picked up a spade and gave a blow with it to Arjanbhai. 13.2 This witness further stated that as Arjanbhai was injured with the crowbar and spade, he fell down there and then Pravin of their village and he escaped from Sanvadar. They felt that Ladhabhai and Raghavbhai will also attack them and they ran away due to that fear. They came to know on the second day that Arjanbhai has been murdered. Arjanbhai has been murdered by Ladha Karshan and Raghav Karshan. He has identified both the accused persons in the court.
13.3 According to this witness, these persons were serving liquor from a plastic jar and were drinking liquor in plastic glass. This witness has identified the playing cards, the plastic can and the white plastic glass and stated that Ladhabhai, Raghavbhai and the deceased Arjanbhai were drinking liquor from this plastic glass. 13.4 This witness has also identified the spade fitted with wooden handle and this witness has stated that Raghavbhai inflicted a blow to Arjanbhai with this spade on left side of chest. He has also identified the crowbar and stated that first, Arjanbhai inflicted a blow with this crowbar to Ladhabhai and thereafter, Ladhabhai inflicted blow with the same to Arjanbhai. The police recorded his statement about this incident. The incident of Arjanbhai having got assaulted Page 16 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT occurred in the farm of Khajuriya at the time of sunset. 13.5 In the cross-examination by the learned advocate for the accused, this witness has denied that he went to the house of his sister on 11th November 2007 to have food. There are two members in his family consisting of him and his mother. His occupation was farming. He also owned a farm land and their land is situated in the village itself. Their farm is on the western side of the village. They did not cultivate anything on 11th November 2007. He and his mother go for work as daily wagers. They go for work to any place where people call them. They go for labour work in their village. He was residing in the village since his birth. This Nanubhai and Arjanbhai were their family relatives but they were distant relatives. They used go to their houses on different occasions. One liquor case had been registered against him, which was registered long back. He did not drink liquor at that time. He has not come to give deposition after consuming liquor. This witness denied the suggestion that he had come to the court to give deposition in an inebriated condition or that his mouth was smelling of liquor. He admitted that he knew how to brew liquor. He further stated that he was not required to taste liquor to know as to whether regular liquor has been brewed. He admitted that the police had not recorded his statement in the police station but it was recorded in his village. He further stated that the police recorded his statement three days after the incident. This witness has admitted that it was recorded around 14th that means after the incident. He Page 17 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT has also admitted that there is a distance of 2 km between his farm and the farm of Arjanbhai. The farm of Arjanbhai is 2 km far from his house.
13.6 This witness has stated that he knew only little bit of reading and writing. The police came and asked his name and address. He has denied that except that, nothing else was asked. As the police asked him about the incident, he dictated to the police whatever he knew. On the day of the incident, the police came to his house at about ten o'clock in the morning and asked him as to whether he knew anything about Arjan, and therefore, he stated in affirmation. He also gave answer to the question that the police did not come on 13th date to record his statement that he did not have the exact idea about the date. He has admitted that the weapons such as crowbar and spade are kept for irrigation purpose at the farm with wadi that means the farm where there was water in a well. Their village has the facility of electricity. The farmers of their village drew water by machine and also with motor; it depends on the means available with the persons. He has admitted that machine runs on diesel and whoever has a machine, takes the diesel in can. Therefore, cans could be found with any farmer who has machine. He has admitted that those who are gambling, do gamble during festivals. Playing cards are not sold in their village. He did not know how to play the cards. He has admitted that he has identified the muddamal spade, pickax and the can which were shown to him. He has stated Page 18 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT that those were seized and sealed in his presence. He has admitted that there is no identification mark of anyone on the spade and crowbar. Before the incident, he had gone to the wadi of Arjanbhai before a month. When he may not have to go for daily wage, he would go to the wadi of Arjanbhai.
13.7 This witness further stated that he did not have any cow or buffalo yielding milk at his house. He has denied that as they did not have any cow or buffalo yielding milk at their house, he did not go with jar of buttermilk to give it to Arjanbhai. Whoever has any cow or buffalo yielding milk in their village, gives buttermilk to the person who is working at his house. He had gone to give the same. That jar was lying empty at the house of Arjanbhai; He went to bring the same. He has admitted that the jar with which he had gone to collect from the house of Arjanbhai was given one month ago. He has admitted that playing cards were available easily in the market. The police came to record his statement on 14th. His statement was recorded at that time that means they remained there for half an hour. What he knew he dictated therein. When the police came to record statement about the incident, the son of Raghav Karshan also came along in the jeep and there were two other police persons. The name of the police person who came to record statement at his place was Deraiya sir. This Deraiya sir came to his place only once to record the statement. When the police came to record his statement he had dictated that the officer who has recorded his statement is Deraiya Page 19 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT Sir. Therefore, as he was asked as to whether he was informed that this was Deraiya Sir, he stated that such was not informed. But he knew that Deraiya sir was there in their village and he knew him. He had not met Deraiya Sir after 14th November after his statement was recorded. He has admitted that after the police recorded his statement, Deraiya sir went away from there.
13.8 This witness has admitted that he has dictated in his examination-in-chief that as he did not have any work at about four to half past four hrs, he had gone to the vadi of Arjanbhai. He had dictated in his police statement that he went to the wadi of Arjanbhai to bring jar of buttermilk at about five to half past five hrs. This witness further stated that he went at about four to half past four hrs. He has dictated in his statement before the police that as there was vigorous altercation, Pravinbhai and he ran away due to fear and went to sleep. It is true that he has dictated in his police statement that when he was in his village in the evening, he came to know from hearsay that this Arjanbhai has been murdered. He has admitted that he came to know about the murder of this Arjanbhai from hearsay, that means he has not eye witnessed this incident. He dictated in the answer of the same that Arjanbhai inflicted crowbar blow to Laghubhai and Laghubhai snatched that and assaulted Arjanbhai with it. In this incident, Raghavbhai inflicted a blow of spade to Arjanbhai. Thereafter, he ran away. He has not seen anything thereafter. On the second day morning he came to know that Arjanbhai has been Page 20 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT murdered.
13.9 This witness has admitted that he has not dictated in his police statement that spade was used in this incident. He has denied that he has not dictated in his statement before the police that Ladha Karshan assaulted Arjanbhai with a crowbar or Raghavbhai assaulted Arjanbhai with a spade. He had come straight from his village to give deposition. He has admitted that he met Deraiya Sir in the court compound, who is the P.S.I. Mr. Deraiya. When he met him in the court compound, he did not tell him about the incident. It has not happened that when he met the P.S.I. Mr. Deraiya, he read out the papers in this respect and told him that he has to give deposition in such way. He has denied that as the deceased was his relative, he was giving false deposition. He has denied that even though he did not see the weapons during the incident, he was giving false deposition in the court due to family relations.
13.10 In the cross examination by the learned advocate appearing on behalf of the accused No.2, this witness has denied that he has not dictated in his statement before the police that "these persons were gambling and Arjanbhai was winning. As Arjanbhai denied to give that money, there was altercation among them and they were using abusive words loudly during this altercation." This witness has also denied that he has not dictated in his statement before the police that "Ladhabhai snatched away that crowbar and Page 21 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT inflicted a blow to Arjanbhai after snatching the crowbar. Arjanbhai sustained a blow of this crowbar on the left side of chest. Raghavbhai immediately picked up a spade and gave a blow with it to Arjanbhai". He has also denied that he had not dictated in his statement before the police that "we felt that this Ladhabhai and Raghavbhai will also attack us. We ran away due to that fear". This witness had denied that he has not dictated in his statement before the police that "they were taking the liquor from a plastic can and were using plastic glass for drinking the same". This witness has also denied that the incident of Arjanbhai getting assaulted took place at the time of sunset. Bodhabhai Kanjibhai Baraiya and Odhabhai are distant brothers. Arjanbhai and he had relations of visiting during occasions. When Arjanbhai used to come to the village from the wadi, he used to come to his house for a visit. In cases of illness of anyone, he would come to see the person and if he was not well they would also go to visit him. When Arjanbhai was going outstation, he was not taking him along.
13.11 This witness further stated that he knew Dahyabhai Panchabhai because he belonged to his village. He is not his close relative. He knew Tulsibhai Baraiya. He is not their relative. The matter of bringing the jar of buttermilk was suddenly struck because he was free. He gave the jar of buttermilk to Arjanbhai when he came to his house. Arjanbhai had a cow at his house. Arjanbhai had a cow but it did not litter. He was not regularly brewing liquor, but when he Page 22 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT used to go to the wadi occasionally once a month or two, he used to brew the liquor. He did not bring the fermentation for brewing liquor for Arjanbhai. He did not drink liquor on the day of incident. When he went to the wadi of Arjanbhai, he had seen his jar of buttermilk hanging on a hook. When the police came to his house, they did not come with a person named Odhabhai Kanjibhai. When the police persons came to his house, they were two constables and the son of Raghubhai was also with them. He knew the entire family of Ladhabhai and Raghavbhai. This witness has denied that he had fierce altercation with Raghavbhai and Ladhbhai. This witness has admitted that there was old animosity going on between Arjanbhai and Ladhabhai. He knew the fact in that respect. He did not go for cremation ceremony of Arjanbhai.
13.12 To a question whether he went to the meeting that was arranged after cremation ceremony, this witness has stated in the affirmative.[The A.P.P. had taken objection for asking such question]. 13.13 This witness further stated that he came to know about this on the second day of the incident, therefore, he told his mother about it. Except her, he did not tell anyone else. This witness has denied that the deposition given in the court on that day, has been given on the basis of hearsay facts. This witness has also denied that as he has animosity against the accused persons in that case, he was giving false deposition and as the deceased was his close friend, he Page 23 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT was giving false deposition. He has also denied that he was giving false deposition in the court. He has also denied that though he has not witnessed the incident personally, he was giving false deposition to save the accused.
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14. Pravin Premjibhai Baraiya has been examined as PW. No.
5. In his examination-in-chief, he has stated that he was a resident of Sarvadar village and he resided there with his wife, children and parents and he was working in the factory of polishing diamonds in Bhavnagar. On 11th November 2007, he came from village to the house of Harshaben on the day of Bhai Bij. As it was the day of Bhai Bij he came to eat at the place of his sister at twelve o'clock in the afternoon. Thereafter, he left at about half past two to three o'clock to go to Sarvadar village. He reached the patiya of Sarvadar village at about four o'clock. The distance from the patiya of Sarvadar to Sarvadar village is about two kilometers. There is a shortcut walking track passing from farm of Khajuriya. The farm of Khajuriya is owned by Arjan Bachu and Nanu Bachu of their village. Both these brothers reside in the farm of Kajuriya. He passed from the narrow way near the Kajuriya. He had seen Arjan Bachu, Ladha Karshan and Raghav Karshan gambling near the edge of the farm. When he reached there, Arjanbhai called him to 'come to drink liquor but he denied the offer saying that he does not drink. As he was called inside, he went inside and sat down. He sat down with these three persons to gamble. All the three persons were drinking and gambling.
14.1 According to this witness, Bhopa Ravji of their village was brewing liquor at this farm of Khajuriya. He was brewing at the distance of about ten to twelve feet from the place where they were Page 25 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT seated to gamble. Bhopa Ravji was brewing liquor and was giving the same to Ladha Karshan, Raghav Karshan and Arjan Bachu. He was serving liquor in a plastic glass. There was winning and losing in the gambling. Arjanbhai was winning money and Ladhabhai and Raghavbhai were losing. Altercation and abuse started with regard to winning and these persons started loudly abusing each other. Arjanbhai picked up the crowbar lying about two to three feet far and inflicted a blow on the left shoulder of Ladha Karshan. Ladha Karshan snatched away the crowbar from Arjan Bachu and inflicted a blow with that on the left side of chest to Arjan Bachu. Raghavbhai picked up the spade lying at the side and started assaulting Arjanbhai with it.
14.2 This witness has further stated that as Arjanbhai was assaulted, he fell down. Thereafter, he and Bhopa Ravji escaped from there. As these persons were drunk and as they feared that they might assault them also, they ran away. They escaped and went to their house. Thereafter, on the second day he came to know that Arjanbhai has been killed. Bhopa Ravji was brewing liquor and was filling it in a can.
14.3 This witness has identified the accused persons in the court and has stated that if the muddamals are shown to him, he can identify it too.
Page 26 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT 14.4 In the cross examination by the learned advocate appearing for the accused No. 1, this witness has he was doing the work of polishing diamonds in Bhavnagar. He came to Bhavnagar on 11th November 2007. When he came to Bhavnagar at his sister's place to eat, he did not take his wife with him. His sister was residing in Parul Society, Ghogha Jakatnaka, Bhavnagar. He has admitted that from Parul Society, Jakatnaka he came in a rickshaw in Talaja Jakatnaka. He has denied that it was not three o'clock at that time. There is distance of about ten minutes from Ghogha Jakatnaka to Talaja Jakatnaka. He boarded the bus of Raj Travels at about quarter to three o'clock from Talaja Jakatnaka to come to Sarvadar. Sarvadar is 30 km from Talaja Jakatnaka. He has denied that it takes about one hour to reach there. He has admitted that Raj Travels bus stops at the small villages on the way and those who want to get down are allowed to get down and those passengers who want to get into the bus are also allowed to get in the bus. It takes about five minutes for the same. It takes about 45 minutes to go from Talaja Jakatnaka to Sarvadar village. He has denied the suggestion that there are fifteen to seventeen villages from Talaja Jakatnaka to Sarvadar village and has stated that there are about ten villages. He has denied that time of about two hours is not taken including the time taken in Raj Travels to reach Sarvadar. This witness has stated that it took him about fifteen to twenty minutes to reach the farm of Khajuriya. There is separate road of 2 km to go to Sarvadar village. The road of Khajuriya is a shortcut. He admitted that his family was in Sarvadar on the day Page 27 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT of Bhaibij and his family did not come to eat at his sister's place. His house was in Sarvadar village. His farm land was also situated in Sarvadar village. His farm land in Sarvadar is situated beside the village. His land is situated on the opposite side of the farm of Arjanbhai. They cultivate bajra in that land. There was one well therein. They do farming by themselves. They do not keep farm equipments in the farm. They call person with tractor for doing farm related labour. They come with their equipments and instruments. Things such as spade and crowbar are not included therein. It is true that those who have land with irrigation facility, have spade, crowbar and plastic can for filling oil and they also have water pot. 14.5 This witness has admitted that playing cards are available in the market easily. He has also admitted that when the police persons seized crowbar, spade, playing cards for gambling, plastic can, glass etc, he was not present there. He has admitted that the name and address of the owner is not written on the spade and crowbar. As the handle of the can was broken, he has stated that it was the same. It was not dark when he went to the farm of Khajuriya. No police case has been registered against him or he has not gone to give deposition in the court. He has not recorded the statements of any witnesses. He has studied up to fourth to fifth standard. He did not know to read properly. He cannot read continuously. He cannot read the words with vowel marks properly. The police persons came on the third day after the incident to record his statement. He did not Page 28 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT remember the date. The police persons came to him at four o'clock in the evening. Two to three police persons came his house. They did not inform him their names nor did he know their names. On that day he did not go to Bhavnagar to polish diamonds. He did not go for polishing diamonds for fifteen days after the incident. They had vacation in their work.
14.6 This witness further stated that Arjanbhai Bachubhai is their distant family relative. Mohanbhai Narshibhai Baraiya is his grandfather. Odhabhai Kanjibhai Baraiya is his distant relative. Makabhai Anandbhai Baraiya is not related to him in any way. When the police persons came to him, they remained there for half an hour. The police persons asked his name, address and other details. The police persons went away after recording his statement and did not return anytime. After recording his statement, it was read over to him.
14.7 This witness further stated that he did not have relations of visiting during festivals with Arjanbhai and Nanjibhai. He had relations of only talking. This witness has denied that he has not dictated in his police statement that there was altercation and exchange of abusing words between the deceased and the accused. He has further denied that he has not dictated in his police statement that one crowbar was lying near Arjanbhai and he picked up that crowbar and gave a blow to Ladha Karshan on left shoulder. He Page 29 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT further denied that he has not dictated in his statement before the police that Ladhabhai snatched away the crowbar from the hand of Arjanbhai and both he and his brother Raghavbhai together started assaulting Arjanbhai. He did not know as to whether the families of Baraiya got together after the incident. Odhabhai was the uncle of the deceased Arjanbhai. He has denied that as Odhabhai was his family relative, he was giving false deposition to implicate the accused in the offence. He did not know as to how Arjanbhai died. He did not attend his cremation ceremony.
14.8 In the cross-examination by the learned advocate on behalf of the accused No.2, this witness stated that he knew Dahyabhai Panchabhai of their village. He knew Tulsibhai Premjibhai Baraiya. He was not related to him in any way. The deceased Arjanbhai was the son of his uncle, a distant brother. He did not have relations with him of drinking liquor together. They had relationship of gambling together some times. He owns five bighas of land. He has admitted that Arjanbhai had forty bighas of land. After the incident, he went home and went to sleep. He did not talk with anyone about the incident before giving deposition in the court today. He did not have any ticket of Raj Travels. He has denied that he was giving false deposition to implicate the accused.
15. PW No. 6 Amrabhai Jinabhai Solanki in his examination-in- chief has stated that when he was in the charge of P.S.O. in Ghogha Page 30 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT Police Station on 12th November 2007 at 22-00 hrs, as the A.S.I. Mr. R. B. Baraiya and P.S.I. Mr. B. R. Teraiya gave the complaint lodged before them for registering the same, offence was registered and entry was made in the station diary. The further investigation was handed over to Mr. B. R. Teraiya. He has prepared the yadi at Exh-38 with respect to the investigation in this case. He has made his signature therein as P.S.O. The yadi of taking over the investigation has been produced at Exh-39, wherein P.S.I. Mr. Teraiya has made signature. The report of grave offence has been made to the Superintendent. FSL, dog squad were informed to reach the place of incident. He has made his signature in Exh-40. After preparing that yadi, it was faxed to Superintendent of Police, Bhavnagar. 15.1 This witness brought with him the station diary of offence showing the entry No. 27/200 and produced a true copy prepared on the basis of the same which was prepared in his handwriting and after preparing copy from the original, he has put his signature underneath. This witness has stated that he had not done any procedure of the investigation.
15.2 In the cross-examination by the advocate appearing on behalf of the accused No.1, this witness has stated that P.S.I. Mr. Teraiya gave him a ready-made complaint for registering the same. He has admitted that the complaint was sent through the A.S.I. He was not present at the place of incident. He has admitted that the Page 31 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT time of starting to write that complaint outside the police station and the time of completing the writing of complaint is not written therein.
16. The Doctor who performed the autopsy of the dead-body, Dr. Jasvant Amrutbhai Daraji, was examined as PW. No. 7. In his examination-in-chief he has stated that when he was on duty at medical college, Bhavnagar, Sir. T. Hospital on 13th November 2007, the police constable Bhikhabhai Chhaganbhai Chauhan, Buckle No. 7 of Ghogha police station brought a dead-body for post-mortem. Vinaykumar - Tanasa P.H.C centre made written yadi to them for making post-mortem. He has produced on record the said yadi and also Police yadi for making P. M. through panel doctor and the blood of deceased Arjanbhai was obtained. The dead-body was brought before them on date 13th November 2007 at eight O'clock in morning and after starting (P.M) at 8-20 O'clcok, it was completed at 10-50 O'clock. At the time of making this P.M., P.M Kumar and Dr. Varma were with him and he was as a third person. We altogether have made this P.M. The age of this dead body was of 40 years and he worn blue coloured pants. Ashes and earth were applied on the dead body. The earth was applied at the upper part of chest and on belly and on upper thumb. Dry blood stains were on the clothes on dead body. The dead body was cold. The rigor mortis marks were seen on the dead body. The dead body rotting started. Its symptoms were according to this. The insects of about 2 m.m size were near mouth and nose. The face was greenish and the skin had peeled at some Page 32 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT places on the body. P. M. lividity was at the back part of body except at pressure points and it is fixed. According to column No. 13, there were injury marks of face. The right eye was partly open and the left was close. The sclera reddened. The mouth was partly open. The tongue was inside of mouth. The reddish liquid was oozing out from nose.
16.1 According to this witness, as per column No. 14, there were dry blood stains on the wrist of hand. Besides, there were dry blood stains on left side chest, left side thigh, leg, on the paw of leg and right side leg and its paw and on right hand. According to coloumn No. 15, there were no any marks of injury on external genital organ. There was no excretion. There were blood stains on external skin of scrotum.
16.2 This witness further stated that according to column No. 16, both hands were in bent condition from elbow. The left leg was straight. The right leg was straight and was in bent condition towards outside. According to column No. 17, stab injury horizontally placed on left side of front of chest just lateral to sternum of size 2.1 c.m x 0.7 c.m. x cavity deep was seen. There were sharp margins of it. The left angle was somewhat sharp. The right angle was rounded. There were dry blood stains around injury. There was abrasion of about 0.6 c.m. at right side corner of injury. It was of reddish brown colour. The injury No. 2 - there were scars more than one on forehead of about Page 33 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT 0.5 c.m. x 0.5 c.m. to 4 c.m. x 2 c.m. Looking to the remaining injuries with P.M note, they have been shown on additional paper No. 4. The injuries No. 3 - multiple contusions were seen over right side of face varying size from 0.2 c.m. x 0.2 c.m. to 3 x 1 c.m. over 9 c.m x 8 c.m. area measured from ear. The injury No. 4 - contusion was seen on front of neck in centre below thyroid cartilage of size 3 c.m. x 1.2 c.m.
The injury No. 5 - there was contusion of having measurement of 15 c.m x 8 c.m. on right shoulder and on right upper arm. The Injury No. 6 - there were contusions more than one having measurement of about 1.5 c.m x 0.5 c.m. to 6.5 c.m. x 4 c.m. on left upper arm toward front out side. The injury No. 7 - there was cut wound having measurement of about 1.5 c.m. x 0.1 c.m. x 0.2 c.m. at 2.5 c.m below of first finger in right palm. The injury No. 8 - there were multiple abraded contusions over front of chest and abdomen at places of varying sizes from 0.5 c.m. x 0.5 c.m. to 6 c.m. x 3 c.m. There were two contusions over left lower limb, one was in medial knee of size 6.5 c.m. x 3 c.m. and another was above knee of size 3.5 c.m x 2 c.m. The injury No. 10 - there were multiple contusions over anterio-latero posterior aspect of left leg of varying sizes from 0.5 c.m. x 0.5 c.m. to 6.5 c.m x 1.5 c.m. The injury No. 11 - The right thigh was swollen in upper 1/3 & middle 1/3 part measured 17 c.m. x 12 c.m., over it, there was a contusion of 5 c.m. x 3 c.m. seen on upper 1/3 of right thigh aterio-medially. On cutting, hemorrhages were seen below swollen area. The injury No. 12 - there was a contusion of size of about 3 c.m. x 2 c.m seen on right middle 1/3 of Page 34 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT thigh laterally. The injury No. 13 - There was a cross cut wound at front part of right leg having measurement of about 2.5 c.m. x 5 c.m. The injury No. - 14 - there was cut wound on right leg at front side at below ankle joint of inverted 'v' shaped measured 3.5 c.m. x 1 c.m x skin deep. Margins were sharp and blood stained. The injury No. 15 - there was a cut wound at inner side of the thumb of right leg having measurement of about 1.5 x 0.2 c.m. x skin deep. Its margins were sharp and blood stained. The injury No. 16 - there were multiple contusions over back of body of varying sizes from 0.5 c.m x 0.5 c.m. to 12 c.m. x 5 c.m. The margins of scars were of such type that they could not be separated. The injury No. 17 - there was abraded contusion at front inner side on right leg having measurement of about 4 c.m. x 3 c.m. on lower 1/3 area. Note :- (1) All the contusions were of blackish brown colour. No. (2). Abraded scars were of reddish brown colour.
16.3 This witness further stated that he, Dr. M. M. Varma and Dr. Binaykumar have made their own signatures below injuries and notes shown on page number 4 (a) of the attachment of page No. 4. The column No. 18 - there was right femur fracture at neck. The coloumn No. 19 - the injuries shown in columns nos. 17 and 18 are prior to death. The injuries shown in columns nos. 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 are also prior to death. The coloumn No. 20 is regarding injury of head, wherein, anything did not seem important. But, which external injuries have been shown in forehead, similar to it, hemorrhage was Page 35 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT seen below skin of head. Any fracture was not seen in the skull of head. The layer of brain was as it was. Whereas the brain was reddish and was in swollen condition.
16.4 The column No. 21 is regarding the injury of throat. On looking therein, hemorrhage was seen in soft tissue in the lower part corresponding to the injury of neck mentioned in column No. 17. In column No. 22 - there was a stab wound which was going down and towards back side, which was going by cutting lower border of left 4th rib. On measuring the depth of stab wound from out side, it was about 5 c.m. The remaining part was intact. There was liquid blood as much as about 100 cc in the left side cavity of chest. Anything important was not seen in Larynx, Trachea and Bronchi. Looking to both lungs, they were faint and swollen. Anything important was not seen in pericardium. The heart was soft, flabby and empty. Anything important was not found in major blood vessels.
16.5 The column No. 23 - hemorrhages corresponding to external injuries were seen in the wall of abdomen. Anything important was not found in peritoneum, buccal cavity and oesophagus. There was pink yellowish liquid as much as 20 c.c in stomach. No abnormal smell was perceived. Besides, its wall was normal. There was pulpy material in small intestine. The large intestine was greenish and had distended with gas. The liver was faint. The pancreas, spleen, both kidneys, both suprarenals were Page 36 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT faint. The bladders were empty. Nothing important was found in the the organs of generation. As much as 10 cc blood was kept for blood group and the pant was given to police.
16.6 The column No. 24 is regarding spinal cord. Anything was not found therein.
16.7 This witness further stated that according to the dead- body examination made by them, the cause of death was due to sustaining innumerable injuries at body, due to heavy bleeding and due to shock. Besides, the time of death is about 24 to 48 hours prior to the time of making post-mortem. Out of the injuries stated in coloumn No. 17, some injuries can be caused by sharp weapon and some can be caused by sluggish substance.
16.8 This witness further stated that due to the external injuries that have been mentioned in coloumn No. 17, hemorrhage and internal injury were found in internal organs. In column No. 17, the injury mentioned at Sl.No.1 which has been stated as stab injury, can be caused by an iron kosh (a digging tool). It can be caused by the part having sharp edge of an iron kosh. After looking at the muddamal kosh this witness has stated that, this injury can be caused by it. The injuries sustained with sluggish substances can be caused by rear part of shovel. After looking at the muddamal shovel, he stated the injuries sustained by sharp substance except stated in Page 37 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT column No. 1 can be sustained by injuring from the part of blade of shovel.
16.9 This witness, upon being shown the injuries mentioned at Sl. No. 1 to 17 of column No. 17 has stated that those can be caused by kosh and shovel. This witness has also stated that out of the injuries shown in P. M report, the death of injured person may happen in routine course.
16.10 This witness has further stated that the P. M report was prepared in the handwritings of Dr. N. M. Varma, a resident doctor of medical college and he knew his handwritings, besides, in the handwritings of Vinaykumar of Tansa Primary Health Centre. He has also stated that Dr. Vinaykumar has given death certificate and the handwriting and signature are of Dr. Vinaykumar and he knew it. 16.11 In the cross examination of this witness by the learned advocate appearing for the accused No.1 and 2, this witness has admitted that the injuries of injury numbers 2 to 7 of column No. 17 are not enough to cause death. If any weapon is sharp from both edges, then, the both corners of injury will take place sharp. This witness has admitted that if one side corner of weapon is blunt and other side (corner) is sharp, then, the type of injury would come blunt at one side and sharp at other side. This witness has denied that if both side parts of weapon are blunt, then, the blow of both side will Page 38 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT appear blunt. The type of this injury depends upon at which part of body the weapon struck. This witness has admitted that that there is kosh and it is square and one side part of this kosh is completely blunt. The lower part of kosh is not sharp as knife. This blunt part is blunt up to 0.5 to 1 c.m. The both ends of lower part of this kosh are totally blunt and this witness agreed with it. He has admitted that if one is struck by the lower part of kosh, then, its both ends will not come sharp. It will not come sharp as knife.
16.12 This witness has further stated that if one is struck with the upper invert part of kosh, that means invert part, then, the injury of one number of column No. 17 is not possible. Injury of Col.No.17 was abrasion and incise injury, if its treatment is given at proper time, then, a person could be saved and could not be saved. On making P.M of the dead body of deceased, he might have drunk liquor, such was not found. Any request has not been made of such viscera.
17. PW No. 8, Vanrajsinh Sardar Sinh, in his examination-in- chief has stated that on 17th November 2007, he was on duty at Gogha police station and he was in charge of Police Station. During that period, one Laghabhai Karshanbhai Baraiya, aged about 35, gave a complaint before PSI Shree Deraiya that on 11th November 2007 , Arjunbhai caused injury to complainant by giving blows of crow bar. The complaint was given in that regard. The said complaint was Page 39 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT registered as Second CR No- 57/07. The entry of that complaint has been made in station diary at serial no 20. It has been registered at 22/45 hours on 17th November 2007. The complainant Laghabhai Karshanbhai has put his thumb impression below that complaint. This witness brought a true copy of the complaint and he has proved the complaint and his signature thereon.
17.1 This witness produced a copy of the complaint at mark 8/24. The investigation of the complaint was carried out by PSI Shree Deraiya. After investigation, the final report No. 3/08 has been presented and he has proved the same. This witness has also proved the station diary of 17th November 2007 and the station diary of prohibition. According to this witness, the statements of witnesses were thereafter recorded and as sufficient evidences were available against the accused persons, the charge sheet has been filed. The statements of accused persons were recorded. Thereafter, the panchas were called and as the muddamal articles were to be taken in to possession from the place shown by accused, the accused Laghabhai, panch Bhikhubhai Kalubhai and Panchabhai were taken to Sarvadar village. The accused showed the place in the lane of Khajuria, opposite side amidst the berry trees, scattered playing cards, plastic can of 5 ltr lying next to it, one plastic glass and one bowl were taken in to possession. The said panchnama has been recorded as dictated by pancha. In this case, during the investigation, the arrest panchnama of accused Laghabhai Karsanbhai was done Page 40 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT and investigation was carried out. The charge sheet has been filed as sufficient evidences were available against the accused. This witness has stated that he recorded the complaint as dictated by Laghabhai Karsanbhai which was at serial no 57 in station diary. 17.2 According to this witness, first, the accused was arrested. The accused stated that he wanted to give complaint against the deceased and, therefore his complaint was taken. The accused was taken to hospital for treatment. He was initially taken to Gogha and later on he was referred to Bhavnagar. The accused Laghabhai Karshanbhai was brought to Gogha and Bhavnagar for treatment. [Eventhough a xerox copy thereof was presented, as there was an objection for giving it exhibit number, the same was given mark A]. As it was found that accused Laghabhai Karshanbhai consumed intoxicated drink, his blood sample was sent by Medical Officer, Primary Health Centre Gogha. An offence u/s 66(1) 1 B has been registered against the accused person and this witness has proved the said complaint and Yadi for registering offence with regard to that complaint, yadi for taking charge of investigation, yadi for taking Chappals. This witness has also produced the samples of medical examinations and report of result Form "C" which have been proved by this witness.
17.3 This witness was shown muddamal crow bar and hoe. Knife, can, glass, playing cards etc are the articles which were taken Page 41 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT in to possession for panchnama, and this witness has identified the said muddamal articles.
17.4 According to this witness, in this case, the discovery panchnama at exh 14 was recorded in the presence of pancha and as dictated by Pancha. Panch Bhikhubhai Kalubhai has, in his presence, taken out playing cards, can and glass from the scene of offense. This witness has stated that the accused, by going near his house and crossing the foot track, has taken out crow bar, clothes and knife from the place below the tamarind tree located in the land of Tansa village which he had kept for cultivation. The detailed panchnama to that effect was drawn. The place from where the muddamal was to be taken out in to possession was shown by accused Lagha Karsan. It was taken in to possession in presence of pancha.
17.5 In his cross-examination by the learned advocate appearing for the accused No 1, this witness has stated that their police station is at a distance of 26 km from Gogha to Sarvadar. He has admitted that on 22nd November 2007, he was present in Gogha police station. He has admitted that the phone call at 6/30 hours from Sanvadar was attended by their PSO Shree Solanki. He has admitted that at that time, he was in the police station. He talked to Deputy Superintendent of Police with regard to this incident and he made entry in the station diary and left for place of incident at 3/35 hours from Gogha police station to Sanvadar. It took about 45 minutes to Page 42 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT reach at Sanvadar village. They reached at patiya at 7/00 hours. He has admitted that they reached Sanvadar within half an hour. There is kachcha road for going to village from Patiya. He has admitted that as they received information, they three persons went to Sanvadar from Gogha and those three persons were he himself, Rajuba and ASI Baraiya who had gone to Sanvadar. Driver Mahendrasinh was also there.
17.6 According to this witness, they went in a jeep from village to farm. When they reached to the place, it was late evening. There were thorny bushes on both sides of road leading to the place of incident from village. When he reached there, village people gathered at the place of incident. After reaching at the place of incident, he contacted sarpanch Jagabhai. At that time, it was about 7/45 hours. There was no electric light at the place of incident. This witness has denied that after talking with Jagabhai about incident, they left. They saw dead body at the place of incident. According to this witness, a family relative identified that it was the dead body of Arjanbhai. They filled the inquest of dead body. This procedure was done in the light of jeep and torch. The dead body was at the distance of 15 feet from jeep. The dead body was next to a hut in the field. The dead body was lying about 15 feet below from slop. This witness has denied that village people were standing around the dead body forming a crowd where there was head light of jeep.
Page 43 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT 17.7 This witness has admitted that he has not written this complaint but it was written in the handwriting of his writer. This witness had denied that the complaint of Exh-11 has been written on the next day of the incident and thumb impression was made in a ready-made complaint. This witness has admitted that first he went on 12th and thereafter he went second time. Thereafter, he went to Sarvadar many times. This witness has denied that he has not recorded any further statement of the complainant. This witness has denied that he prepared the panchnama of place of offence, dog squad panchnama, panchnama of search, discovery panchnama and inquest panchnama in the police station and only signatures of the panchas have been obtained.
17.8 This witness has denied that weapons have not been used in this incident and he has mentioned the weapons only to implicate the accused No.1 wrongfully and he has fabricated the discovery panchnama regarding the seizure of the same, or that the witness of this case, Bhopabhai Ravjibhai Exh-14 and other witness Pravinbhai have not given any statement before him but he has written down their statements by himself commensurate with the investigation or that as there are no eyewitnesses in this case, he has written down the statements of both these witnesses to falsely implicate the accused or that the accused persons have not produced the blood stained clothes in this case and in spite of the same, panchnama has been fabricated. This witness has further denied that Page 44 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT the accused of this case, Ladha Karshan lodged any complaint or that he has written down this complaint falsely. This witness has admitted that it is not mentioned in the panchnama of Exh-17 that the accused is in inebriated condition. This witness has also denied that he has not investigated regarding the complaint of Exh-57 of the accused. He has filed summary regarding the same, because at that time, the accused had died.
17.9 This witness had denied that he has not recorded the statements of witnesses in this case and he has recorded the statements of the witnesses commensurate with the investigation. This witness has stated that Blood was collected on 17 th November 2007 to prepare the blood report and as that report was received on 10th January 2008, the complaint was given on the basis of the same. This witness has admitted that the report of Ladhabhai Karshanbhai was received on 27th November 2009 from Director, Forensic Science Laboratory and as he received the same on 27th November 2007, he lodged the complaint on 10th January 2008 and he cannot give any reason as to why it was given late. This witness has admitted that the incident occurred on 11th November 2007 and the arrest was made on 17th November 2007. This witness has denied that the accused was arrested on 17th November 2007 and he was sent on 19th November 2007 for examination of his blood.
17.10 This witness has denied the suggestion that no such Page 45 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT incident has taken place or that nothing has taken place at this place of incident or that it has not happened that the accused and the complainant both of them were consuming liquor but a false case is filed against the accused persons corresponding to the complaint or that he has not done any investigation as to whether the deceased was in inebriated condition or the Arjanbhai was in inebriated condition or that no injury has been caused with such weapon that he have seized and in spite of the same, false weapons have been seized in this case and false case is registered against the accused. 17.11 In the cross examination of this witness by the learned advocate for the accused No.2, this witness has admitted that Bhopabhai Ravjibhai has not dictated in the complaint before him that "these persons were gambling and these persons were winning; Arjanbhai was winning. As Arjanbhai denied to give that money, there was altercation among those persons. During this altercation they were speaking loudly and they were using abusive words". This witness has admitted that moreover it is not dictated that "Ladhabhai snatched away the crowbar and after snatching away the crowbar, a blow was given to Arjanbhai with the crowbar. Arjanbhai sustained a blow with this crowbar on the left side chest. Arjanbhai was assaulted with crowbar and spade, therefore, Arjanbhai fell down there itself. he felt that Ladhabhai and Raghavbhai may assault me, therefore, I escaped from there due to fear of the same. Moreover, Arjanbhai has been murdered by Ladha Karshan and Raghav Karshan. These Page 46 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT persons were taking liquor from a plastic jar and they were drinking the same with a plastic glass". Moreover it is not dictated by Pravinbhai Premjibhai in the statement before him that "Bhopa Ravji was brewing liquor and he was giving the same to all three persons in a plastic glass. It is true that there was altercation regarding winning and losing and these persons were speaking loudly. Ladha Karshan snatched away crowbar from Arjan and gave a blow with the same on the left side of chest. As this persons were in inebriated condition, I ran away from there due to fear that he might be assaulted". 17.12 This witness has stated that the distance from the hut to the place where the deceased was lying below a slope was about fifteen feet. He left the place of incident at quarter past ten o'clock on 11th November 2007. He posted a Beat Head Constable at this place but no entry has been made regarding the same. This witness has denied that the time of beginning to write the complaint and the time of completing the complaint is not written when the complaint is written outside the police station. This witness has stated that he did not know as to when the report of Section 157 of the Code of Criminal Procedure was sent to the Magistrate. This witness has admitted that the case of brewing liquor is not registered against Bhopa Ravji. This witness has also admitted that the said tin carboy of liquor and the glass have not been sent to F.S.L. He has further admitted that the opinion of the doctor is not obtained regarding the seized weapons. He has also admitted that no opinion is obtained regarding Page 47 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT alcohol content in the blood of the deceased. This witness has stated that he did not know as to whether he has recorded the statement of Babhba Darbar of Tansa village.
17.13 This witness has admitted that the certificate regarding the injury of Ladha Karshan has not been attached in the charge sheet. This witness has denied that the witnesses of this case, Bhopa Ravji and Pravin Premji were the relatives of the deceased. He has also denied that he has filed false charge sheet after doing investigation commensurate with the complaint.
18. PW. No. 9, Bhupatbhai Rambhai Teraiya, P.S.I., Ghogha Police Station who was the Investigating Officer, in his examination in chief has stated that when he was present in the police station on 12th November 2007, Lejar Solanki, P.S.O. informed him at 18.30 hrs that a phone call of Jagdishbhai, the Sarpanch of Sarvadar has been received and he has informed that a dead-body is lying at Sarvadar village. Therefore, he made entry vide 24/07 in the station diary at 18.35 hrs and left for Sarvadar. After reaching over there and seeing, a dead body was lying. As the people of village were present, he went to khajuriya farm in Sarvadar. As he came to know that the dead body was of Arjan Bachu of Sarvadar village, he called two panchas and filled the inquest panchnama from 20.00 to 30.00 hrs and also filled marnottar form. The complaint of Budhabhai Kanjibhai Baraiya was taken on the place and the dead body was first sent to Tansa for P.M. Page 48 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT Thereafter as the doctor over there stated to take the dead body to Sir T. Hospital, the dead body was brought to Sir T. Hospital. Thereafter, the panchnama of place of offence was drawn in the morning in the presence of F.S.L. Officer after calling two panchas from 8.00 to 9.30 hrs. 18.1 This witness has further stated that thereafter, as the dog-squad arrived, the Head Constable, A. D. Pedya prepared the dog-squad panchnama with them from 9.15 to 10.15 hrs. He filled the form to call the dog-squad and sent the same to the Police Superintendent, Bhavnagar and he has proved the from to call the dog-squad and his signature thereon.
18.2 In the cross-examination of this witness by the learned advocate for the accused No.1, this witness has denied that when this complaint was registered, the accused was under custody. He has further stated that he made entry in the station diary. He has admitted that when this complaint was taken, he was not present over there.
19. After hearing the learned counsel for the parties and after going through the aforesaid materials on record, we find that in this case, it has been established from the evidence given by two eyewitnesses, viz. Bhopabhai Ravjibhai Baraiya and Pravin Premaji Baraiya, PWs. No. 4 and 5 respectively, that in their presence the Page 49 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT incident occurred. According to these two witnesses, when the two accused persons and the deceased were drinking liquor and gambling, there was an altercation on the question as to who had really won and thereafter, the deceased first took a kosh and hit the accused No.1. The accused No.1 immediately snatched the said instrument from the hands of the deceased and hit the accused with the said weapon in the left part of the chest of the deceased. According to these witnesses, the accused No.2 also immediately started hitting the deceased by a shovel. These two eyewitnesses, by looking at the attitude of the accused persons, became nervous and ran away from the place of the incident, lest they may also be killed by the accused persons, and on the next day, they came to know that the victim has been found to be dead.
20. It also appears from the evidence of the Doctor who performed the post-mortem that there were total 17 injuries on the body of the deceased person including the injury at the chest. The Doctor has proved that the injuries on the body of the deceased can be caused by the kosh and the shovel. The place of the incident has also been proved by the blood recovered from the place of the incident which appears to be of "B" group, namely, that of the deceased.
21. It further appears that the accused No.1 gave a police complaint that the deceased had hit him by the kosh and the same was registered in the Station Diary vide entry No. 20 and registered Page 50 of 53 R/CR.A/145/2009 CAV JUDGMENT as CR II. No. 57 of 2007. A copy of the said complaint has also been produced in the case at Exh. 51.
22. Therefore, from the above fact, it has also been established that there was scuffling between the accused No.1 and the deceased and the facts stated by the two eye witnesses, PWs. No. 4 and 5, have also been corroborated by the said evidence. We have already pointed out that even existence of blood at the location has been proved and the said blood was that of the deceased as would appear from the report of the blood analysis received from the FSL.
23. Finding the aforesaid difficulty, Mr. Barod, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the appellants tried to convince us that it was a case of private defence, and thus, the appellant No.1 should not be held guilty of murder. It appears from the records that the nature of injuries received by the appellant No.1 has not been established by evidence given by the accused though the accused No.1 himself lodged the complaint. In order to take the plea of private defence, the nature of injuries caused by the accused is a vital factor to be taken into consideration but such fact has not been established by the accused persons. Moreover, once the appellant No.1 himself had snatched the kosh from the hands of the deceased, thereafter, there was no necessity of causing injuries at the chest of the deceased by the said kosh. Thus, the plea of private defence cannot be established.
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24. Mr. Barod further contended that the deceased being the first attacker, at the most it is a case of excess of private defence and in such a case, we should convert the offence to one under section 304 Part I of the Indian Penal Code.
25. In view of the fact that there are total 17 injuries on the body of the deceased, we are unable to accept the contention of Mr. Barod that this is a fit case to convert the offence to one under section 304 Part I of the Indian Penal Code.
26. We, thus, find that there is no justification of disbelieving the version of the PWs No.4 and 5 which has also been corroborated by other evidence on record including the complaint made by the appellant No.1. Thus, the learned Sessions Judge, in the facts of the present case, rightly convicted the appellants for an offence punishable under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and section 135 of the Bombay Police Act.
27. We, therefore, find that the order impugned in these appeals is quite just and reasonable from the evidence on record, and there is no scope for interfering with such just findings of fact based on materials on record including the evidence given by the eyewitnesses who are completely reliable. The appeals are, thus, devoid of any substance and are consequently dismissed.
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Sd/-
(BHASKAR BHATTACHARYA, CJ.) Sd/-
(J.B.PARDIWALA, J.) mathew Page 53 of 53