NANHAU RAM Vs. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an appeal on special leave against the judgment and order passed on 16-2-1979 by the High Court, Madhya Pradesh maintaining the conviction and sentence made by the Additional Sessions Judge in Sessions Trial No. 5/77.

(2.) The prosecution case in brief is that on the night intervening 14th and 15th July, 1976 when Dwarka Prasad was sleeping outside his house in village Godha and his wife and two sons Premshankar and Ramashankar were sleeping inside the courtyard, dacoits numbering more than five entered the house and started beating his wife and sons. Accused Suchakaran jumped into the courtyard and he was identified by Phulkali (PW-8), wife of Dwarka Prasad and his son Premshankar (PW-9). Phulkali and Premshankar while running away from the house saw Nanhau Ram standing with a gun and another dacoit grappling with Dwarka Prasad. Nanhau Ram fired a shot from his gun and it struck the dacoit who fell down dead. Then Subhakaran grappled with Dwarka Prasad and dragged him towards the angani. Nanhau Ram fired another shot which hit Dwarka Prasad who fell down. On alarm being raised by Phulkali and her sons, people from nearby villages came and the dacoits fled away. Dwarka Prasad in presence of the people gathered told Lavkushprasad (PW-2) to take down his statement that he recognised the two accused appellants amongst the dacoits. Lavkushprasad scribed the dying declaration made by Dwarka Prasad who put his thumb impression thereon. Lavkushprasad signed it and the same was signed by several villagers present. Dwarka Prasad was then taken to a boat for his treatment in the hospital. But he breathed his last in the boat. Tikamprasad (PW-5) who was present when the statement was made by Dwarka Prasad went to the Police Station and lodged F.I.R. (Ex. P-4) on July 15,1976 at about 12.05 p.m.

(3.) The Investigating Officer held inquest over the dead body of Dwarka Prasad as per inquest report Ex. P-5. Another inquest was held on dead body of an unknown dacoit as per inquest report Ex.P-6.