SH. LOCHIRAM REANG Vs. STATE OF MIZORAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mrs. Dinari T. Azyu, learned Amicus Curiae appearing for the appellant. Also heard Mrs. Linda L. Fambawl, learned Additional Public Prosecutor, Mizoram appearing for the respondent No. 1 and Mr. B. Lalramenga, learned counsel appearing for the respondent No. 2.

(2.) This appeal is directed against the Judgment and Order, dated 10.03.2015, passed by the learned Addl. Sessions Judge, Aizawl in Sessions Case No. 60/2013 under Section 364A of IPC convicting the accused appellant Sh. Lochiram Reang.

(3.) The prosecution case in brief is that one Sh. Laltlanhlua Zathang, Field Director, Dampa Tiger Reserve, (For short 'DTR') West Phaileng, Mizoram lodged an FIR on 20.02.2013 before the Officer-in-Charge, West Phaileng P.S, West Phaileng, Mamit District, in continuation to the verbal report already made over to his office on 19.02.13 at 5 p.m, over mobile phone, from Tuichar Peng, alleging that 5 persons, namely Sh. Vanlalnghaka, Wildlife Guard of Damparen--gpui, Sh. Lalliansanga, Wildlife Guard of Teirei, Sh. Lalsangmawia, Wildlife Guard of West Phaileng, Sh. Nelson Lalruatkima, JCB Operator, Hunthar Veng, Aizawl, Mizoram and Sh. Lalrinawma, JCB Handyman, Hunthar Veng, Aizawl, who were detailed for routine patrolling duty inside DTR areas. It was suspected that the said persons had been abducted by some insurgent group for ransom on the night of 18.02.2013 and could not be located despite vigorous search.