STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH Vs. RAMANDEEP KAUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) APART from respondent, the other accused were tried separately but respondent herein being a minor, was tried and acquitted for the offence of murder by the Juvenile Justice Board. The connecting evidence against the respondent, in a case of murder as alleged is the finger prints on the tumbler as well as on the jug found in the room of deceased Mohan Singh, who was staying for the night in Dev Raj Dharamshala, 'Naina Devi Ji' who was found murdered by strangulation.

(2.) THE whole case against the respondent hinges upon the circumstantial evidence aforesaid.

(3.) FURTHER , the box containing jug and two glasses were allegedly deposited with the PW15 MHC Rajeshwar Singh on 18.8.2005 by Inspector SHO Puran Singh which were sent on 23.8.2005 vide RC No. 84/2005 through PW13 constable Sher Singh for its examination to Finger Print Bureau, Phillour. He stated that finger prints of the juvenile were taken by him on 25.8.2005 in the Court at Kullu and further stated that he had taken the finger prints on the jug and glass which were easily available in the market. In fact, there is nothing on record to show that finger prints of the accused were taken in the Court, but prosecution case is that these were taken before the Dy. S.P., therefore, his statement has created a major dent in the prosecution case.