- (1.) We have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the record.
(2.) Sandeep @ Babu Bhausaheb Kate, Raosaheb Vithal Pisal and Sanjay Maruti Samge, appellants before us, challenge their conviction and sentence for the murder of one Ravindera. According to the case of the prosecution, Ravindera was missing from 20th March, 2002. On 27th March, 2002, a missing report was lodged by his father PW-1, Ankush Pisal. When he was informed by the Police of the recovery of the dead body, a formal FIR was registered on 1st April, 2002. However, the FIR was only to the effect that Ravindra was kidnapped as there was suspicion on account of his illicit relationship with wife of Raosaheb Vithal Pisal.
(3.) During investigation six persons were named. Madhukar Rajaram Pisal died, Meena Dutta Jadhav has been acquitted and Popat Khandu Pisal is not before us, though he has also been convicted. Dead body of the deceased Ravindra was recovered at the instance of Popat Khandu Pisal. The prosecution has mainly relied on the statement of PW-4, Kavita Govind, who claim to be eye-witness and whose statement was recorded on 14th April, 2002, for the first time.;