(1.) The appellants, four service men of the State Police Service have been indicted, tried and convicted for causing the death of one Bhrigu Malakar alias Bibhuti Malakar alias Kere (hereinafter referred to as 'Kere') while in their custody at Malugram Out Post, Silchar, Cachar. By the impugned judgment dated 18-8-01 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Cachar, Silchar in Session Case No. 6/97, the appellants in Criminal Appeal No. 274/01 and 292/01 have been convicted u/S. 302, I.P.C. and sentenced to R. I. for life with a fine of Rs. 1000/- each in default to suffer S.I. for one month. They were also convicted u/S. 342, I.P.C. and sentenced to undergo R.I. for one month each. The appellants in Criminal Appeal No. 272/01 have been convicted u/S. 304(11), I.P.C. and sentenced to undergo R.I. for a period of 4 years with a fine of Rs. 500/- each in default to suffer further S.I. for 15 days.
(2.) We have heard Mr. J. M. Choudhury, learned Senior Advocate Mr. A. K. Bhattacharjee, learned Senior Advocate, assisted by Mr. P. Katakey and Mr. B. Singh as well as Mr. N: Choudhury, Advocate for the ap-pelfants. Mr. P. Bora, learned P. P. Assam appeared on behalf of the State.
(3.) The case of the prosecution unfolds with the F.I.R. lodged by Sri Biplab Malakar, brother of the deceased 'Kere' on 28-8-96 with the Officer-in-charge, Silchar (Sadar) P. S. It was alleged therein that Shri Harekrishna Das, Daroga, Silchar Malugram Outpost with his companion police men and officers had arrested 'Kere' in the night on 24-8-96 and thereafter brought him to the Outpost. The informant named the appellants as well as one Shri Subodh Dutta, Constable and Shri Yatin Talukdar, Town Daroga, Silchar (Sadar) P. S. and alleged that they kept his brother at the Outpost for 2 days and 2 nights and assaulted him there to death. The F.I.R. disclosed that in the afternoon of 26-8-96 the body of the deceased was taken to the Silchar Sadar Hospital where he was declared dead.