RAJU LAKRA Vs. STATE OF JHARKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) At the very outset, it is to be mentioned that three accused persons have been convicted in this case, out of whom, appellant no. 1 Koncha Oraon has died during pendency of this appeal and appeal on his behalf has been abated vide order dtd. 19/8/2025. So far convict Mannu Kachap, who has preferred another appeal i.e. Cr. Appeal (DB) No. 1179 of 2003 is concerned, his appeal has been abated vide order dtd. 6/10/2025 as he has also died during pendency of appeal.

(2.) Heard Mrs. Supriya Dayal, learned counsel for the sole surviving appellant as well as Mr. Shiv Shankar Kumar, learned A.P.P. for the State.

(3.) The instant appeal is directed against the judgment of conviction dtd. 8/7/2003 and order of sentence dtd. 9/7/2003 passed by learned Additional Judicial Commissioner, Fast Track Court, Ranchi in Sessions Trial No. 498 of 1995, whereby and whereunder, the present appellant along with two others have been held guilty and convicted for the offence under Sec. 302/34 & 201/34 of the I.P.C. and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life each for the offence under Sec. 302/34 of the I.P.C. and rigorous imprisonment for 5 years each for the offences under Sec. 201/34 of the I.P.C. Both the sentences were directed to run concurrently.