DEEPAK GUPTA, J. - (1.) THIS appeal, under Section 374 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, is directed against the judgment dated 18th June, 2008 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, North Tripura, Dharmanagar in Case No.ST.56(NT/D) of 2007, whereby he convicted the appellant of having committed an offence punishable under Section 364 -A of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced him to undergo imprisonment for life and to pay a fine of Rs.10,000/ - and in default of payment of fine to undergo simple imprisonment for one year.
(2.) THE prosecution story briefly stated is that on 17.06.2006, 4 unknown extremists wearing the uniform of Assam Rifles personnel entered village Kanchanpur. Thereafter they kidnapped PW. 3, Bishnuram Reang and took him away into the forest. According to the prosecution, Bishnuram Reang was released after ransom of Rs.30,000/ - was paid. It would be pertinent to mention that FIR Ext. 1 was lodged on 18.06.2006 at the instance of PW.2 Chandiram Reang. The victim was released after a week and his statement was recorded. The police carried out the investigation and examined the victim who identified the appellant as one of the persons who had kidnapped him. On this basis charge sheet was filed and the accused pleaded not guilty. After trial he has been convicted and sentenced as aforesaid. Hence this appeal.
(3.) AS far as the kidnapping of the victim is concerned there is no doubt to the same. The victim himself appeared as PW.3 and stated that he was kidnapped by 4 tribal youths armed with country made weapons as well as AK47 rifles. His version has been supported by his wife PW.4, Smt. Dantirung Reang. The factum of kidnapping is also supported by the other villagers namely, PW.5 Uktirai Reang and PW.6 Rabijoy Reang.;