Rajasthan High Court - Jaipur
Ramraj vs . The State Of Rajasthan. on 30 January, 2015
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR RAJASTHAN BENCH AT JAIPUR. JUDGMENT (1) D.B. CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 905/2005 RAMRAJ VS. THE STATE OF RAJASTHAN. WITH (2) D.B. CRIMINAL(JAIL) APPEAL NO. 1086/2005 KAILASH & ANOTHER VS. STATE OF RAJASTHAN. DATE OF JUDGMENT : 30th January, 2015 HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE KANWALJIT SINGH AHLUWALIA HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE J. K. RANKA Mr. Narendra Choudhary, for the accused-appellants (in Cr. Appeal No. 905/2005). Mr. Ram Babu Sharma, for the accused-appellants (in Cr. Appeal No. 1086/2005). Mrs. Sonia Shandilya, Public Prosecutor, for the State. Mr. Rinesh Gupta with Mr. Uddit Purohit, for the complainant. //Reportable// BY THE COURT(Per Hon'ble Ranka, J.):
Ramraj S/o. Panchu; Kailash S/o. Ganpata and Rameshwar S/o. Dayram were nominated as accused during investigation of FIR No. 191/2003 registered at Police Station Hindoli, district Bundi for offences under Sections 341, 323, 394 and 302 read with Section 34 IPC. Vide impugned judgment dated 24.08.2005, Court of Additional Sessions Judge(Fast Track) No. 2, Bundi(hereinafter referred to as 'the Trial Court') held the appellants to be guilty of offences under Sections 302/34, 323/34 and 397/34 IPC. Having convicted the appellants for the above said offences, the Trial Court vide order passed on the same date sentenced the accused-appellants as under:
NAMES OF ACCUSED SECTION SENTENCE (1) Ramraj S/o. Panchu (2) Kailash S/o. Ganpata (3) Rameshwar S/o. Dayram 302/34 IPC To life imprisonment with fine of Rs. 1,000/-; in default of payment of fine to further undergo two months simple imprisonment.
323/34 IPC To 15 days simple imprisonment with fine of Rs. 100/-; in default of payment of fine to further undergo three days simple imprisonment.
397/34 IPC To seven years rigorous imprisonment with fine of Rs. 1,000/-; in default of payment of fine to further undergo two months simple imprisonment.
Criminal proceedings were set into motion on presentation of written complaint (Exhibit P-36) by Suresh Chand Mundra(P.W. 19). Said written report was presented before Ghanshyam(P.W.22), S.H.O., Police Station Hindoli, district Bundi. In the written complaint(Exhibit P-36) presented by Suresh Chand Mundra(P.W.19), it was stated that Hari Prakash Mundra S/o. Ramrai Mundra, brother of complainant Suresh Chand Mundra(P.W.19) daily used to commute to Basni where he was running a stone crusher. The deceased used to reach stone crusher at Basni at about 9.30 A.M. and return every day at 7.00 P.M., after production of crusher was stopped. Normally, he used to undertake return travel journey between 7.30 P.M. to 8.00 P.M. On 19.06.2003, on the day of occurrence, he left the stone crusher at 8.15 P.M. Due to cutting of telephone cable, telephone at stone crusher had gone out of order. For repairing telephone line between NH-12 and turn towards stone crusher, five persons namely Ram Kumar, Dharma Bheel, Shiv Dayal, Bardha Bairwa and Rodu Raigar were deputed to check D.P.(Digital Point, a box on the road side poles). When they reached near the site where the DP(junction box of telephone) was installed, three unknown persons started throwing stones, due to which, noise was raised. All three persons ran towards side of Denakheda. They were chased for some time. All three persons were aged between 25 to 35 years. One of them was wearing black pant and white shirt. When those three persons were chased, one of them again pelted stones and then, all three persons ran towards three different directions. Due to pelting of stones by these persons, Ram Kumar S/o. Shri Raju Bheel suffered an injury on foot. After those persons had left, all of them reached at the spot for checking D.P. and they found that telephone line had been disconnected. The spot from where stones were pelted was inspected. At a nearby distance, one Moped was lying fallen. Seeing the Moped being fallen, on search, it was found that brother of the complainant was lying in a pool of blood. After seeing him, it was realized that a shot had been fired at him from a country made pistol. From the person of deceased one gold chain weighing three Tolas along with one gold ring weighing 1 Tolas were removed and Rs. 15,300/- received by the brother from the contractor were found missing. Finding brother in injured condition, Bajrang Parashar, Accountant at crusher brought the injured on tractor bearing number RJ-06-R-1938 to Deoli at Mahesh Nursing Home where he was checked up. Dr. Kalpana, owner of nursing home, referred brother of the complainant to Government hospital. Doctor of Government hospital after examination declared Hari Prakash Mundra to be dead.
On the complaint, as already stated, case was registered for offences under Sections 341, 323, 394 and 302 read with Section 34 IPC. Police had conducted investigation. On the basis of evidence gathered during investigation, charge sheet was filed in the Court of competent jurisdiction against the appellants for their prosecution. The Court of concerned Magistrate committed charge sheet filed under Section 173 Cr.P.C. with the accused to the Court of Sessions and the case was entrusted to the Court of Additional Sessions Judge(Fast Track) No. 2, Bundi for trial. The trial court charged the appellants for offence punishable under Sections 302/34, 323/34 and 397/34 IPC.
First charge stated that on 19.06.2003 between 8.15 P.M. to 11.30 P.M., between Bundi-Deoli National Highway near Mahaveer Stone Crusher, Basni they(appellants-accused) caused injuries on the head and other parts of body of the deceased Hari Prakash Mundra and thereby had caused his murder and committed offence punishable under Section 302/34 IPC. Second charge stated that the accused-appellants on the said date and time had caused injury to Ram Kumar S/o. Shri Raju Bheel and thereby committed offence punishable under Section 323/34. Third charge stated that on the said date and time with common intention to rob deceased of gold ring, gold chain and money, grievous injuries were caused and thus, by taking away above-mentioned three articles committed offence punishable under Section 397/34 IPC. The appellants pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.
The prosecution commenced its evidence.
Dr. R.P. Gupta(P.W.1) stated that on 20.06.2003 while posted as Medical Officer at Government Hospital, Deoli, he had medico-legally examined Ram Kumar s/o. Raju Lal Bheel and found one injury of simple nature on the right foot having swelling of 4x3 cm. According to the opinion of doctor, said injury was received within 12 hours of the examination. This witness further stated that while posted at Community Health Centre, Deoli, Tonk on 20.06.2003 on the application presented by S.H.O., Police Station Hindoli, he had conducted autopsy. The dead body when brought was having rigor mortis on the whole body. The whole body had become bluish and there was no ligature mark on the neck. He further stated that there was an abrasion of 3x2 on the right side of front of the neck. There was also injury of 5x2 cm present on the back side of head. There was injury of 2x1 cm present on right side of abdomen. Wound was 12 cm deep. On the left leg of the deceased there was lacerated wound of 4x3 cm. On the right side of arm, there was lacerated wound of 1 x 1/2 cm. The brain and its membranes were in good condition. 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th ribs of right side were fractured. Membrane was cut. Left side lung was cut. Right side lung was alright. A rib had pierced into left side lung. In the cavity of lung, 1 liter blood was found. Arteries of the heart had suffered no injury. All vital organs of the body were functioning. According to the medical board cause of death of Hari Prakash, deceased was due to rupture of left lung and injury on the head. It was opined that due to excessive bleeding, the deceased had died due to shock probably between 8 to 12 hours of the occurrence. It was further stated that digested food leave intestines within 10 hours. He further opined that the deceased should have taken his food between 8 to 12 hours before his death.
Udai Singh(P.W.2) is the witness to site plan of the spot(Exhibit P-2). He stated that on 20.06.2003 in his presence police had prepared site plan(Exhibit P-2) and he appended his signatures thereupon. He further stated that his signatures were obtained on blank papers and it is not known to him as to what was taken into possession by the police. He admitted his signatures on Exhibits P-3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. This witness was declared hostile by the prosecution. In cross-examination by the Public Prosecutor this witness stated that he was part of the mob which was called by the police. He denied recovery of weapons and other articles in his presence.
Durga Lal(P.W.3) has attested inquest proceedings(Exhibit P-8). This witness in cross-examination stated that in the night it was talk of the town that Hari Prakash had been murdered.
Babu Lal(P.W.4) stated that he was employed as driver of JCB machine by the deceased Hari Prakash Mundra. Stone crusher of the deceased was situated between Basni and Devakheda. On 19.06.2003, he was standing in the office of crusher near JCB machine. At that time, Ramraj Meena accused came on motor cycle accompanied by two persons. They had a talk with Hari Prakash and thereafter, they came to this witness and told him that he should send JCB machine for cultivation on rent. This witness in the Court identified Ramraj Meena. The witness in cross-examination further stated that Ramraj Meena is engaged in agriculture work.
Ram Kumar(P.W.5) stated that he was employed at Mahaveer Stone Crusher by deceased Hari Prakash Mundra. He was resident of Deoli and daily used to go to crusher at about 9-10 o'clock in the morning and return in the evening at 8.00 P.M. Hari Prakash, owner of the crusher had died. On the day of occurrence at about 8.00-8.30 P.M., Hari Prakash left the crusher, but told the witness that since telephone is out of order, in absence of owner, he should manage affairs of the crusher. He further stated that deceased had told him to carry the repair work of telephone. He along with two persons while holding emergency light went to check D.P. From D.P. at a distance of 30 meters, there was one pit. From the side of pit, 2-4 stones came. The witness was accompanied by Shiv Dayal and Bardha. They threw the emergency torch light towards the side from where stones came and saw three persons running. They chased all the three persons and threw torch light on them and saw clothes of the accused. Two persons were wearing pant and shirt and third person was wearing Kurta-Pajama. All three were chased for about 50-60 meters. When they were at a distance of 5-7 yards or steps, one person lifted stone and threw the same towards the witness. Then, he had seen face of the said person, who had thrown stone in emergency torch light. Pelted stone had hit on the right side of the foot of the witness. Thereafter, all three persons ran towards three different sides. When they came near D.P., they saw that the telephone wire was already disconnected. In emergency torch light they saw inside the pit and found that one red colour Moped was lying there and in another direction Hari Prakash was lying. He had several injuries on the head, elbow of both the arms and lower portion of both the legs. Then he ran from there to crusher to call Bajrang Lal, Accounts In-charge. They brought tractor along with driver on the spot and Hari Prakash Mundra was sent in the tractor trolley towards Deoli. Two kilometers before Deoli, Suresh(P.W.19), younger brother of deceased Hari Prakash Mundra met the witness. They brought Hari Prakash to Government hospital. He further stated that he was medically examined in Deoli. Police had prepared site plan(Exhibit P-2) which was signed by him. At the place of occurrence he had found one specs, one wooden piece stained with blood and one key ring containing three keys. In the pit they had found a country made pistol. Three persons, who ran from the site, were aged about 30 to 35 years. This witness further stated that he can identify the person, who had injured him by pelting stone. Said person was identified by the witness after three months of occurrence in test identification parade conducted in Bundi Jail by one Lady Magistrate. In cross examination, this witness stated that he was working at the crusher from last ten years.
Similar is the statement of Shiv Dayal(P.W.6), who stated that he along with Ram Kumar and Bardha went to check telephone line. Three persons threw stones on them. He had identified one person who was wearing white Kurta and Pajama. In the Court, this witness identified Rameshwar and Kailash, as the one who were present at the spot and had thrown stones at him. Witness further stated that he had identified these persons during test identification parade. He stated that when he returned to village, he learnt that accused had been arrested. He further stated that till today name of the accused were not known to him. In cross examination, this witness stated that I have seen the accused first at Basni and then in the jail. This witness further stated that it was a dark night and he cannot tell that the persons, who had thrown stones, were wearing which clothes. He further stated, ??? ?? ???? ??? ???? ?? ????? ?????????? ??? ?? ?? ????? ?????? ?? ??????? ??? ???? ?? ?? ???? ???? ?? ? '' Trilok(P.W.7) stated that on the day of occurrence he was working at Mahaveer Stone Crusher. Police had prepared site plan of the spot (Exhibit P-2) in his presence. Police had also taken blood stained earth, simple earth into possession vide memos (Exhibit P-3 and P-4). Police had also recovered one Bamboo which was about 10-11 feet long. In the said Bamboo, two hairs were entangled. Police had also taken one white specs into possession whose lenses were broken. Police had also taken into possession one stone stained with blood and one country made pistol which was lying in the pit. In cross examination, this witness stated that telephone lines were underground. They were underground on the day of occurrence.
Bhanwar Lal(P.W.8) stated that Hari Prakash was his younger brother. Police had prepared inquest report (Exhibit P-8) and he had attested the same.
Bajrang Lal(P.W.9) stated that he was working at Mahaveer Stone Crusher. This witness stated that in the month of July, 2003, police came in a jeep at the crusher. He went along with the police. They had gone towards the side of village Basni. Police stopped in front of a house. Person sitting with the police went into the house and got one Kurta Pajama recovered. He also got watch recovered. Watch was of golden colour and chain of watch was broken. Kurta Pajama handed over by the person was blood stained. Watch was also blood stained. Police told name of the said person as Ramraj. In cross examination this witness stated that for last 14 years he was working on stone crusher of the deceased. The house from where Kurta Pajama was recovered was Kaccha.
Rakesh(P.W.10) stated that on 16.07.2003 he was standing in front of Ganesh Mandir, Deoli. A police jeep came in which Bajrang Lal was sitting, who took him along with police. Police stopped jeep in front of a house from where accused Ramraj got recovered Kurta Pajama, which was stained with blood and also one watch which too was stained with blood.
Dilip Rathi(P.W.11) stated that he is engaged in trade of stones. In the month of July, he was sitting on a tea stall which was situated at Lohari Bus Stand. A police jeep came there. They went inside a nearby hut. Since this witness has learnt about murder of owner of stone crusher, he on motor cycle went to the place where the jeep was parked. There were 2-3 persons with the police party. Faces of the persons with police were muffled. Name of one of the person was told by the police party as Kailash and another person's name was told as Ramraj. Thereafter, it was stated by the witness that name of other person was not Ramraj, but Rameshwar. Kailash came out from the jeep. Witness was standing outside the house. Then, police party took Kailash inside the house. He took out a sword from the house. Police was carrying the sword. That sword, taken out by Kailash from the house, was handed over to the police. It was further stated by the witness that he had watched the proceedings while standing outside the house. Sword was in a red cover. Police had taken measurement of the sword. Sword was having a hand grip and the same was stained with blood. Sword was seized in a white cloth. After half an hour, Kailash got recovered one gold ring on which HP was inscribed. Gold ring was also stained with blood. Gold ring was also having a diamond. Police took gold ring in its possession by putting seal on white cloth packet. Kailash also got recovered pant and shirt and the same were also seized into a packet. Recovery of the sword was proved by memo (Exhibit P-12). Recovery of gold ring was proved by memo (Exhibit P-13) and recovery of pant and shirt was proved by memo (Exhibit P-14). Then police party said that they have to go at a distance of 2-2 kilometers. This witness followed the police party. The police party reached in front of house of Rameshwar. Inside the house one old lady was sitting. They made enquiry from the old lady regarding the house of Rameshwar. Then Rameshwar was interrogated. Rameshwar got recovered one gold chain which was broken. Gold chain was seized into a packet. Then Rameshwar got recovered pant and shirt. Gold chain was taken into possession vide memo(Exhibit P-15) and clothes were got recovered by Rameshwar vide memo (Exhibit P-16). In cross-examination, this witness stated that he is engaged in trade of marble. Recoveries were affected. He had come there to inspect stone which was to be purchased by him. At the distance of 3-4 kilometers, there was mine of stones. This witness further stated that name of Kailash and Rameshwar were disclosed by the police, Police had identified for him as to who is Rameshwar and Kailash.
Umrao Singh(P.W.12) stated that seven months before, police had taken him and his friend Lekhraj from temple of Ganesh Ji in a police jeep. This witness was called by the police to witness recovery. Accused was sitting with the police. Police had taken him at a distance of one kilometer to a house. The police disclosed name of person in their custody as Ramraj. That accused got recovered one Gandasa. In cross-examination this witness stated that he had not gone to police earlier. He stated that he was called by the Police and told that he has to witness a recovery. Witness stated that he has signed recovery memo (Exhibit P-17). In cross examination, witness further stated that he rarely visited the area but he admitted that deceased Hari Prakash Mundra was known to him.
Prabhu Lal(P.W.13) stated that on 02.09.2003 he was posted as Constable in Police Post Pechki Bawdi. On wireless he was called by S.H.O., Police Station Hindoli. Malkhana In-charge handed over him eight sealed packets to deposit the same in Forensic Science Laboratory, Jaipur. He deposited sealed packets in Forensic Science Laboratory, Jaipur on 03.09.2003 and obtained receipt(Exhibit P-18). Receipt was handed over to In-charge, Malkhana. This witness further stated that till he took the samples from Malkhana and deposited the same in Forensic Science Laboratory, Jaipur, they remained intact in the sealed condition.
Iqbal Hussain (P.W.14) stated that on 20.06.2003 he was posted as Head Constable at Police Station Hindoli. Goods received by him were kept in Malkhana and entries to this effect were made in the register. He had also handed over the articles to Constable Prabhu Lal for depositing the same in Forensic Science Laboratory, Jaipur and he also handed over receipt received from Forensic Science Laboratory, Jaipur. He had also made receipt part of the record.
Shankar Lal(P.W.15) stated that he was posted as Armourer in Police Line, Bundi. He inspected one country made pistol and live cartridge. Country made pistol so recovered was in working order and a fire could be made from the weapon inspected by him.
Dr. Jagveer Singh(P.W.16) stated that on 13.07.2003 he had examined accused Ramraj. There was star mark of 5 cm x 0.25 cm on the lower portion of nose. It was a simple injury caused within duration of 14 days.
Smt. Neerja Dadhich(P.W.17) stated that on 01.08.2003 she was posted as ACJ(JD) JM, No. 3, Bundi. S.H.O. Police Station Hindoli presented an application (Exhibit-P/22) for conducting test identification of three accused Ramraj, Kailash and Rameshwar. As per the application all three accused were detained at Bundi Jail. On 04.08.2003 at about 3.00 P.M., she had called the witnesses to participate in test identification parade. On 04.08.2003, she reached at Bundi District Jail for conducting test identification proceedings. She stated that accused Ramraj was identified by Ram Kumar. Accused was mixed up with other seven accused. On the same date at 3.30 P.M. test identification proceedings of accused Kailash were carried. He was identified by Shiv Dayal. Accused was mixed up along with seven accused. On the same date at 3.30 P.M., test identification parade of accused Rameshwar was conducted. He was also mixed up with seven persons. Accused Rameshwar was identified by Shiv Dayal. She had prepared report of the proceedings and same was noted upon application Exhibit P-22. This witness further stated that on 26.08.2003, S.H.O., Police Station Hindoli presented goods recovered during investigation and a sealed parcel which contained one Sonata Watch, one gold ring and one gold chain. Goods were mixed with the similar goods and they were identified by Umesh Kumar S/o. Om Prakash and Suresh Kumar S/o. Ramrai. She stated that at the time of identification accused had taken plea that the witnesses had already knew them or the accused were seen by the witnesses.
Shivpal(P.W.18) stated that on 19-20.06.2003, Suresh Chand(P.W.19) had presented an application to S.H.O. Police Station Hindoli and on that basis, formal FIR was registered.
Complainant, Suresh Kumar Mundra(P.W.19) stated that on 19.06.2003 at about 8.45 P.M. he received call on his mobile phone from Accountant at crusher Leeladhar, and was informed that his brother Hari Prakash Mundra is lying in the pool of blood near the turn of the crusher. This witness proceeded towards crusher and after taking his brother he left for Deoli. He had taken his brother to the hospital of Dr. Mahesh. Dr. Kalpana had examined his brother while he was lying in a tractor trolley. Thereafter, he had taken his brother to the Government hospital where he was declared dead. He presented written report(Exhibit P-36) to the police. This witness further stated that he was informed by the witness that his brother has left the crusher after instructing the staff to inspect telephone line. When Shiv Dayal, Ram Kumar @ Bardha were inspecting telephone line, a stone was thrown at them. These persons had seen three persons running from the spot. One of them had hurled stone at Ram Kumar due to which he suffered injury. All three persons ran towards different directions. This witness stated that on the date of occurrence his brother was wearing gold chain, gold ring and a Titan watch. He was also having Rs. 15,300/- as cash. Witness stated that he had identified goods in presence of judicial officer.
Umesh Mundra(P.W.20) stated that deceased Hari Prakash Mundra used to go to crusher which was in the name and style of Mahaveer Stone Crusher and it was a partnership firm among him, deceased Hari Prakash Mundra and Suresh. This witness identified gold chain, gold ring and watch before the Judicial Magistrate. This witness stated that a day before the occurrence, accused Ramraj Meena had come to the crusher. He had asked for JCB machine. He had informed him that decision regarding giving JCB machine is taken by Hari Prakash Mundra and he should again come. At that time Ramraj was accompanied by Ganesh Bihari. He further stated that earlier accused had come to ask for JCB machine, but Hari Prakash Mundra, deceased had refused him. This witness in cross-examination further stated that there was dispute over the royalty with the contractor. The witness further stated that the word HP was not scribed on the gold rings which were mixed with the gold ring recovered from the accused. He further stated that watches which were mixed up with Article-3 were of which company is not known to him.
Manaram(P.W.21) stated that on 20.06.2003 he was posted as ASI at Police Station Hindoli. On receipt of written report(Exhibit P-36) he had recorded formal FIR(Exhibit P-37).
Ghanshyam Sharma(P.W.22), S.H.O. Police Station Hindoli proved various facet of investigation regarding recovery of articles, clothes from the accused and their arrest. We shall advert to the testimony of this witness while dealing with the arguments raised by learned counsels for the appellants. Investigating Officer during cross examination admitted that Moped was not found at the spot, therefore, number of the same was not shown in the site plan prepared at the spot.
Prosecution closed its evidence. Thereafter, statements of accused under Section 313 Cr.P.C. were recorded. All incriminating evidence was put to them. They denied the same and pleaded innocence. Ramraj accused stated that on 16.07.2003 he was arrested in FIR No. 224/2003 on the false ground that a country made pistol has been recovered from him. This accused stated that he has been falsely implicated. Accused Rameshwar stated that he is innocent and was falsely implicated. Similar stand has been taken by Kailash, accused-appellant.
In defence one witness Ramdev was examined as D.W.-1. This witness stated that from the house of Ramraj no recovery was affected. He produced documents regarding ownership of the house.
Mr. Narendra Choudhary learned counsel appearing for the accused-appellant Ramraj and Mr. Ram Babu Sharma, learned counsel appearing for the accused-appellant Kailash and Rameshwar have assailed the recoveries being padding at the instance of the police. They further stated that accused were shown to the witnesses before test identification proceedings were held and the same was a sham. It has been further contended that recovery of clothes at the instance of accused is also padding. Investigation in the present case is tainted. It is further contended by learned counsels for the appellants that it is unbelievable and improbable that in the dead of night accused had been identified in a splash of a second that too when torch was flashed. Learned counsels for the appellants have further submitted that no scaled site plan of the spot was prepared. Thus, there is no visual aid available with the Court to find what was distance between the accused and the witnesses when they were allegedly seen by the witnesses in the torch light.
We have given our thoughtful consideration to the rival submissions advanced before us.
The present case is a case of circumstantial evidence.
Prosecution case rests upon by the following circumstances to connect the accused with the crime :-
A. On the day of occurrence i.e. on 19.06.2003 at 11:00 A.M., appellant Ramraj Meena along with two other persons came on the motor-cycle at the Stone Crusher of the deceased and wanted to hire JCB machine. This fact has emerged in the evidence of Babulal (PW-4).
B. On 19.06.2003 in between 08:00 to 08:30 P.M. Ramkumar (PW-5) had gone to check up telephone line and due to pelting of stones, by using emergency torch light he saw three persons running away from the spot. Out of these persons, two were wearing pant and shirt and one was wearing kurta-payajama.
C. One of the stone pelted, hit the foot of Ramkumar and all the three accused ran into three different side. Injury received by Ram Kanwar (PW-5) is duly corroborated by medical evidence as per statement made by Dr. R.P. Gupta (PW-1).
D. Ramkumar (PW-5) in a pit had found moped of the deceased. This witness further stated that at the place of occurrence, one broken spectacle (chasma), one ear-ring and country-made-pistol were found. In the same pit, dead-body of Hari Prakash Mundra was also found.
E. Ramkumar (PW-5) had identified the Ramraj accused in test identification parade held by the prosecution. Shivdayal (PW-6) stated that there were about three persons, who had pelted stones, he identified two persons. This witness also identified two accused named as Kailash and Rameshwar in the test identification parade.
F. Ramraj, accused got recovered white kurta stained with blood and one watch, which was having blood stains vide memos Exhibit-P/10 and Exhibit-P/11. The kurta and watch were got recovered on 16.07.2003 from the house of accused, Ramraj. Recovery memos Exhibit-P/10 and Exhibit-P/11 were witnessed by Bajrang Lal (PW-9) and Rakesh Jain (PW-10).
G. on 17.07.2003 accused Kailash got recovered one sword, gold-ring, vide recovery memos Exhibit-P/12 and Exhibit-P/13 in the presence of Dilip Rathi (PW-11) and Ratan Lal. On the said date, in the presence of above witnesses, accused Kailash also got recovered his pant and shirt vide memo Exhibit-P/14.
H. on 17.07.2003, accused Rameshwar also got recovered from his house, broken gold chain Exhibit-P/5, vide memos Exhibit-P/14 and Exhibit-P/16. The said memos were witnessed by Dilip Rathi (PW-11) and Ratanlal.
I. On 20.07.2003 accused Ramraj got recovered 'gandasa' from his fields in the presence of Umrao Singh (PW-12).
J. On 04.08.2003 (PW-17) Neerja Dadhich, A.C.J.M. No.3, Bundi conducted test identification parade. Ramkumar (PW-5) in the parade so held identified Ramraj accused. On the same day, Shivdayal (PW-6) in the test identification parade identified accused Kailash and Rameshwar.
K. In the presence of Neeraja Dadhich (PW-17), witnesses had identified watch (sonata), gold-chain and gold ear-ring, as articles belonging to the deceased, which were recovered from the accused.
We shall first take incriminating circumstances of the identification.
It has come in the evidence that the deceased before leaving the stone crusher had instructed his staff members, namely Ramkumar and Shivdayal to check up telephone line so that fault could be repaired. In order to comply with the directions issued by the employer, witnesses Ramkumar and Shivdayal commenced checking of the telephone line and had gone towards the place where the dead-body of deceased Hariprakash was found.
Prosecution cited Trilok (PW-7), who had attested site-plan (Exhibit-P/2). In cross-examination, this witness stated that the telephone wires were underground. If the telephone wires were underground, both; Ramkumar (PW-5) and Shivdayal (PW-6) had no expertise to check underground telephone cable. In case, the telephone was disconnected, it was a duty of the official of the telephone department to carry the repair. In the night at 08:30 P.M., there was no occasion for the witnesses to go to repair the telephone line, especially when the stone crusher had closed at around 07:00 P.M. The employee had also left the stone crusher and the telephone could be repaired in the morning. To repair telephone cable in the night at 08:30 P.M. by the novice is only a pretext. Prosecution intend us to believe this fact only to ensure presence of witnesses at nick of moment only to identify the accused who invited attention of witnesses by hurling stones at them.
Be that as it may, it has come in the evidence that the deceased had left stone crusher on moped. Shivdayal (PW-6) in the Court stated that at around 08:15 P.M., Ramkumar told him that the employer had left the crusher saying that the telephone line be repaired. As to why accused will be standing near the spot to wait for arrival of the witness and will pelt stones at them, no explanation is coming forward. It is, too, improbable that when the witness will reach accused who had allegedly committed offence, by removing gold-chain, gold ring, watch and cash will remain present there. It is great matter of chance that, when the witnesses in order to repair the telephone line reached at the spot, they found accused standing at the spot.
Furthermore, it is too difficult for us to believe that the witnesses by throwing flash of light from the emergency torch will graphically remember the face of the accused.
Not only presence of the witnesess at the spot, but identification of the accused by the witnesses is unnatural and improbable. We cannot ignore that witnesses in their statements before Police had given no particulars, marks of identify or features of accused from which their faculty to recognize the accused could be tested. Neither the gait, height, colour, nor body built, nothing was disclosed by the witnesses during investigation.
We may note here that as per witnesses, deceased Hariprakash had fallen into a pit, moped of the deceased was also lying in the pit along with him. The fall in a pit along with the moped is likely to cause injuries.
A perusal of the Post Mortem Report (Exhibit-P/1) clearly reveals that there were four injuries on the person of deceased :-
1. Lacerated wound on posterior part of scalp, 5x2 cm, upto bone.
2. Lacerated stab wound present on right side of abdomen, about 2x 1cm x 12 cm deep, no foreign body found.
3. Lacerated wound 4x3 cm on Rt. Leg 4 x 3cm on left leg.
4. Abrasions present on Rt. Knee (0.) left arm and forearm (3x2, 3x1cm) both shoulder (3x3cm) L chest (7x3 cm), right chest (6x4 cm).
Furthermore, 3rd, 4th, 5th 6th and 7th ribs of left side and 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th ribs of right side were fractured. The cause of death is hypovolaemic shock caused by excessive hemorrhage from scalp injury and haemothorax due to laceration of left lung.
We find merit in the contention raised by the learned counsel appearing for the accused-appellants that the injuries may have been received due to fall in the pit. The dimension of the lacerated stab injury in the abdomen is 2cm x 1cm x 12cm. Since there is a lacerated stab wound and especially not by incised weapon, it cannot be ruled out that some part of the moped had pierced into the abdomen of the deceased due to fall.
It has also come in the evidence that near the pit one country-made pistol was also recovered. Furthermore, it has also come in the testimony of Shivdayal (PW-6) that the pit was two-three feet deep. As per testimony of Shankarlal (PW-15), Police armour country made pistol was in a working order. No firearm injury has been caused in the present occurrence. Therefore, had the accused intended to cause injury and take away gold-chain, watch and the ring by committing murder, they would have used firearm, thus, prosecution story that accused caused injuries cannot be accepted.
Ramraj, accused was arrested on 13.07.2003 vide arrest memo Exhibit-P/40. Similarly, Kailash, accused was arrested on the very same date i.e. 13.07.2003 vide arrest memo Exhibit-P/41. Rameshwar, accused was arrested on 15.07.2003 vide arrest memo Exhibit-P/42.
Curiously enough Test Identification Parade was conducted on 04.08.2003 after about eighteen or twenty days of the arrest of the three accused. In between there, remand was also obtained. Accused had also made disclosure statements and had gone with the Police party for recovery of articles i.e. clothes/weapons.
Bajranglal (PW-9) stated that in the month of July, 2003, he had accompanied the Police party. At that time, one person was sitting in the jeep. He took the Police party to the house and got recovered kurta-payajama and golden colour watch without chain. To the witness name of accused was disclosed as Ramraj. This witness in testimony has no where stated that the man who accompanied the police party had muffled his face.
It has also not come in the evidence that the accused-persons were produced in the Court when their remand was sought and faces were muffled or they were asked to keep their faces muffled. Only Dilip Rathi (PW-11) stated that two/three persons were with the Police; and their faces with muffled. However, to this effect, there is no statement of Bajranglal (PW-9) and Rakesh (PW-10). Dalip Rathi (PW-11) has also stated that Police identified accused for him, if Police can do so, there is no assurance that accused were not shown to Ram Kumar (PW-5) and Shivdayal (PW-6).
Taking totality of circumstances, delay of eighteen or twenty days in holding test identification parade, in our view is fatal to prosecution. The test identification parade ought to be conducted promptly, swiftly to rule out the possibility that between a long duration accused are not shown to the witness.
Having rejected test identification parade as incriminating circumstances, we shall deal with the recovery of weapon, watch, gold-ring and gold-chain from three accused along with the recovery of weapon i.e. gandasa and kirpan. All the accused got their clothes recovered from house. Dilip Rathi (PW-11) stated that Kailash, accused went inside his house got clothes recovered which were hanging on a bamboo stick. Dilip Rathi (PW-11) further stated that the clothes of Rameshwar were hanging on wooden hook and, thus, Kailash and Rameshwar had not kept the clothes concealed. Recovery of clothes were effected on 16/17, July, 2003. It is improbable that for so long i.e. for a period of twenty-days, clothes were not washed by accused. The Police had found blood Group-A only on T-shirt and baniyan of the deceased and golden colour watch. All articles reached together to the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Jaipur on 02.09.2003. The clothes of the deceased were received by the Police from the Doctor on 20.06.2003. They remained in the malkhana. Recovered articles i.e. watch of golden colour, gold chain and gold ring on 17th, 19th and 20th of July, 2003 were deposited in the malkhana. To ensure fairness, clothes of the deceased should have been sent to the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Jaipur before recoveries were effected from the accused. There is no explanation furnished as to why from 20.07.2003 to 02.09.2003, all articles together remained in the 'malkhana'. Thus, we shall also ignore the recovery of articles; weapon and clothes.
Furthermore, disclosure statement (Exhibit-P/43 to Exhibit-P/50), leading to recovery of clothes of accused, golden colour watch, gold chain and gold ring, weapons gandasi and kirpan are not witnessed by any independent witnesses as a matter of fact not by any witness.
In the case of Rameshwar and Dinesh @ Pillu v. State of Rajasthan, D.B. Criminal Appeal No.158/2010, decided on 10.11.2014 we have held as under:-
Having appreciated the evidence of the witness, it is to be noted that disclosure statement Ex-P/22 as made by Munesh is not attested by any witness what to say of any independent witness. Ex.P/22 is recorded on 31st July, 2006 at 11 P.M. It is only signed by SHO Police Station, Bhusawar Distt. Bharatpur. It was held in Harjit Singh & Ors. Vs. State of Punjab AIR 2002 Supreme Court 3040 that disclosure statement should be signed by independent person and Investigating officer should not associate any eye witness with the recovery memos. In the present case, no witness was associated at the time when disclosure statement was made. It is necessary for the prosecution to prove that the disclosure statement was made voluntary without any duress or coercion. To justify voluntary character of disclosure statement, it ought to be recorded in the presence of witnesses, it is to be noted that Section 27 of Indian Evidence Act is an exception to Section 25 of the Indian Evidence Act which says that nothing stated to police is admissible in evidence. Since Section 27 carve out an exception, it is necessary that prosecution must show some material to the Court to be satisfied that same was not fabricated, therefore, it is necessary that it should have been made in presence of some witnesses.
Taking totality of circumstances, we are of the view that the prosecution has failed to complete the chain of circumstances to arrive at a conclusion that the offence was only committed by the present appellants and not by anybody else. Hence, we shall extend benefit of doubt to the appellants and shall acquit them of the charges.
With the aforesaid observations, both the appeals stand allowed, by setting aside conviction and sentence of the appellants.
Let a copy of this order be placed in the connected appeal.
(J. K. RANKA),J. (KANWALJIT SINGH AHLUWALIA),J.
Manoj,
S.NO.27-28.ashok/Certificate - All corrections have been incorporated in the judgment/order being emailed. Ashok Kumar Songara/P.A.cum J.W