SANJIV KHANNA,J. - (1.)Five individuals, namely, Laadkunwar Bai, Jitendra Singh, Nirbhay Singh @ Rajesh Mama, Meharban Singh and the appellant, Santosh @ Rajesh @ Gopal, were prosecuted for the murder of Narayan Singh in the chargesheet arising out of First Information Report No. 640/2011 dtd. 13/11/2011, registered with Police Station - Industrial Area, District Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, for offence(s) punishable under Ss. 302, 34 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and Sec. 25(1-B)(A) of the Arms Act, 1959.
(2.)Three out of these five persons are related to the victim, Narayan Singh. Laadkunwar Bai and Jitendra Singh are the wife and son of the victim, Narayan Singh. Meharban Singh is the father-in-law of Jitendra Singh, the son of Narayan Singh. The remaining two persons, namely, Nirbhay Singh and the appellant, Santosh @ Rajesh @ Gopal, are allegedly hired killers.
(3.)On 30/11/2017, the trial court acquitted Laadkunwar Bai and Meharban Singh. However, Nirbhay Singh @ Rajesh Mama, Jitendra Singh, and the appellant, Santosh @ Rajesh @ Gopal, were convicted.