(1.) This criminal appeal was filed by three convicts namely, (1) Zahir Mian @ Zahur Ansari, (2) Rafiq Mian @ Rafique Ansari and (3) Kadir Mandal @ Mandal @ Kadir Ansari, however, during pendency of the appeal the appellant no. 1 namely, Zahir Mian @ Zahur Ansari and the appellant no. 3 namely, Kadir Mandal @ Mandal @ Kadir Ansari have passed away and, accordingly, the criminal appeal on their behalf has abated.
(2.) On behalf of the surviving appellant namely, Rafiq Mian @ Rafique Ansari, Ms. Aprajita Bhardwaj, the learned Amicus has argued this criminal appeal.
(3.) By an order dated 21.04.2000, the appellant no. 2-Rafiq Mian @ Rafique Ansari was enlarged on bail.