IQBAL SINGH @ DINKY Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appellant challenges judgment and order dated 16.7.2007 passed by the Additional Sessions Judge, (Ad hoc), Patiala, convicting him under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and sentencing him to undergo life imprisonment and to pay a fine of Rs.10,000/-. In default of payment of fine, to further undergo rigorous imprisonment for six months.

(2.) The appellant has been convicted and sentenced for committing the murder of his sister Satnam Kaur @ Satti and one Dharam Singh son of Kirpal Singh. As per the story set up by the prosecution, the complainant Udey Pal Singh, son of Kirpal Singh, made a statement on 29.6.2004, before Incharge Police Post Tripari, Patiala that about two years ago, his younger brother Dharam Singh developed illicit relations with Satnam Kaur @ Satti, who, though married at Delhi, resides in Patiala. The complainant advised his brother to desist from this relationship as he is a married man.

(3.) About three weeks ago, when he, along with Jaswinder Singh, was getting petrol filled in his scooter, at Hemkunt Petrol Pump, Sirhind Road, Patiala, he saw his brother Dharam Singh, Satnam Kaur and Iqbal Singh @ Dinky, brother of Satnam Kaur (the appellant) talking to each other on the road side. His brother has not returned to home since then. A few days thereafter, Harvinder Singh, @ Manga, one of his friends, who is a property consultant, met him and told him that he was asked by Iqbal Singh to sell his house. He, therefore, went to Ekta Colony, where he saw Dharam Singh and Iqbal Singh @ Dinky, consuming liquor, whereas at that time Satnam Kaur was sitting with them. Udey Pal Singh further stated that Iqbal Singh had repeatedly threatened to eliminate Dharam Singh and Satnam Kaur for having defamed the family. He further stated that he visited Iqbal Singh @ Dinky and asked him about the whereabouts of his brother.