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Page No.# 1/36 vs The State Of Assam
2025 Latest Caselaw 1432 Gua

Citation : 2025 Latest Caselaw 1432 Gua
Judgement Date : 24 July, 2025

Gauhati High Court

Page No.# 1/36 vs The State Of Assam on 24 July, 2025

                                                                      Page No.# 1/36

GAHC010031002009




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                              THE GAUHATI HIGH COURT
   (HIGH COURT OF ASSAM, NAGALAND, MIZORAM AND ARUNACHAL PRADESH)

                                Case No. : Crl.A./16/2009

            MD. MUBSESWAR ALI SHEIK @ MUBOI and ORS
            S/O LATE KOTOI MIA.

            2: MD. WATIR ALI @ ATU

            S/O LATE JAHIR ALI BOTH RESIDENTS OF VILLAGE LAHAMALI UNDER
            KATIGORA POLICE STATION IN THE DISTRICT OF CACHAR
            ASSAM.

            3: MD. NUMANUDDIN

             S/O LATE DULU MIA.

            4: MD. ABDUL MONAF @ MONAF
             S/O LATE ASAID ALI BOTH RESIDENTS OF VILLAGE JAGADISHPUR
             PART-V UNDER KATIGORA POLICE STATION IN THE DISTRICT OF
            CACHAR
            ASSAM

            VERSUS

            THE STATE OF ASSAM
            .

Advocate for the Petitioner : MR.J M CHOUDHURY, MR.U CHOUDHURY,MR.B M CHOUDHURY

Advocate for the Respondent : PP, ASSAM, , Page No.# 2/36

Linked Case : Crl.Rev.P./101/2009

MUSSTT. KULSUMA BIBI W/O MD FOIZUL HOQUE R/O VILL- LAHMALI P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

VERSUS

THE STATE OF ASSAM AND ORS

2:IMAD UDDIN BARBHUIYA @ LECHU MASTER

S/O LT. MUHIB ALI R/O NIJ KATIGORAH PT-III P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

3:MAKLISUR RAHMAN 2 S/O LT. MUHIB ALI R/O JAGADISHPUR PT-V P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

4:BULUR UDDIN S/O LT. MAJAR ALI R/O JAGADISHPUR PT.-V P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

5:ABDUL MALIK S/O LT. IRFAN ALI R/O JAGADISHPUR PT.V P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

6:SALEK UDDIN S/O LT. HAKAI SHAIKH R/O LAHMALI P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

7:ALEK UDDIN S/O LT. FAJAL SHAIKH Page No.# 3/36

R/O LAHMALI P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

8:EKLASH UDDIN S/O LT. RIASAD ALI R/O JAGADISHPUR PT.-III P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

9:AZIR UDDIN S/O LT. RIASAD ALI R/O JAGADISHPUR PT.-III P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

10:ANOWAR UDDIN S/O MD SIRAJ UDDIN R/O JAGADISHPUR PT.-III P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

11:RAIOB ALI S/O LT. KALU MIA R/O VILL- LAHMALI P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

12:MAKLISUR RAHMAN I S/O LT. RIASAD ALI R/O JAGADISHPUR PT.-III P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

13:TAMIZ UDDIN S/O LT. RIASAD ALI R/O JAGADISHPUR PT.-III P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

14:AMIR ALI S/O LT. DULU MIA R/O VILL- JAGADISHPUR PT.V P.S. KATIGORAH Page No.# 4/36

DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

------------

Advocate for : MR.A K GOSWAMI Advocate for : PP ASSAM appearing for THE STATE OF ASSAM AND ORS

Linked Case : Crl.A./79/2009

THE STATE OF ASSAM

VERSUS

IMAD UDDIN @ LACHU MASTER and ORS.

S/O LT. MAYAB ALI VILL. KATIGORAH PART-3 P.O. LATHIMARA P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

2:ABDUL MALIK S/O LT. IRFAN ALI VILL. JAGADISHPUR PART-5 P.O. JAGADISHPUR P.S. KATIGORHA DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

3:MAKLISHUR RAHMAN

S/O LT. MAYAB ALI VILL. JAGADISHPUR PART-5 P.O. JAGADISHPUR P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

4:BULUR UDDIN S/O LT. MAJOR ALI VILL. JAGADISHPUR PT. 3 P.O. JAGADISHPUR P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

5:EKLAS UDDIN

S/IO LT. RIASAD ALI VILL. JAGADISHPUR PT. 3 P.O. JAGADISHPUR Page No.# 5/36

P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

6:MAKLISUR RAHMAN @ MAKLISH UDDIN

S/O LT. RIASOD ALI VILL. JAGADISHPURK PT. 3 P.O. JAGADISHPUR P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

7:AZIR UDDIN BARBHUIYA

S/O LT. RIASOD ALI VILL. JAGADISHPUR PT.3 P.O. JAGADISHPUR P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

8:TAMIZ UDDIN

S/O LT. RIASOD ALI VILL. JAGADISHPURK PT. 3 P.O. JAGADISHPUR P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

9:AMIR ALI

S/O LT. DULU MIA VILL. JAGADISHPUR PT.5 P.O. JAGADISHPUR P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

10:SALEK UDDIN SHEIKH

S/O LT. HAKAI SHEIKH VILL. LAHAMALI P.O. LATHIMARA P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

11:RIYOB ALI RAIYOB UDDIN S/O LT. KALUSHEIKH VILL. LAHAMALI P.O. LATHIMARA P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CAHCAR Page No.# 6/36

ASSAM.

12:ALEK UDDIN SHEIKH S/O LT. FAJAL SHEIKH VILL. LAHAMALI P.O. LATHIMARA P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

13:ANWAR UDDIN BARBHUIYA

S/O MD. SIRAJ UDDIN VILL. JAGADISHPURK PT.3 P.O. JAGADISHPUR P.S. KATIGORAH DIST. CACHAR ASSAM.

------------

Advocate for : PP ASSAM Advocate for : MR.U CHOUDHURY appearing for IMAD UDDIN @ LACHU MASTER and ORS.

BEFORE THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE ARUN DEV CHOUDHURY

For the Appellant :Mr. B. M. Choudhury, Sr. Advocate

For the Respondents : Mr. A. M. Bora, Sr. Advocate.

Assisted by Mr. V. A. Choudhury, Advocate.

                                Mr. P. Borthakur, Additional PP, Assam

Date of Hearing               : 06.12.2022, 26.06.2025

Date of Judgement             : 24.07.2025

                           JUDGEMENT & ORDER (CAV)

Heard Mr. A. M. Bora, learned Senior Counsel assisted by Mr. V. A. Choudhury, learned counsel for the respondent in Crl.A./79/2009; Mr. B. M. Choudhury, learned Counsel for the appellant in Crl.A./16/2009; Ms. B. Sarma, Page No.# 7/36

learned Counsel for the petitioner/informant in Crl.Rev.P./101/2009 and Mr. P. Borthakur, learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the State of Assam.

2. These three revision/appeals are taken up together as the challenge made in this revision and the appeals are the same Judgment and Order dated 28.01.2009 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court, Cachar, Silchar in Sessions Case No. 118/06 (GR Case No. 674/04).

3. By the aforesaid Judgment and Order dated 28.01.2009, the appellants namely, Md. Mubseswar Ali Sheikh @ Muboi, Md. Watir Ali @ Atu, Md. Numanuddin and Md. Abdul Monaf @ Monaf, were convicted under Sections 147/436/149 of the IPC and they were sentenced to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment for 1 (one) year under Section 147 of IPC and Rigorous Imprisonment for 5 (five) years under Sections 436/149 IPC and to pay a fine of Rs. 2,000/- (Rupees Two Thousand) each only and in default to undergo further Rigorous Imprisonment for another 6 (six) months. The sentences were to run concurrently.

4. The four persons acquitted by the learned trial Court who are, Eklash Uddin (respondent No.8), Azir Uddin (respondent No. 9), Bulur Uddin (respondent No. 4) and Amir Ali (respondent No. 14), in Crl.Rev.P No. 101/2009 has in the meantime expired and therefore, the revision as well as State appeal is abated against them.

5. The prosecution was launched on the basis of an FIR by one Musstt.

Kulsuma Bibi (petitioner in Crl.Rev.P./101/2009) on 16.03.2004 before the Katigorah police station, inter-alia, alleging that on 16.03.2004 at about 09:00 AM, the accused named in the FIR armed with deadly weapons Page No.# 8/36

forming an unlawful assembly forcefully entered into the house of the informant and thereafter, they sprinkled kerosene oil and petrol over the residential house. Accused No. 10 namely, Atu @ Watir Ali set her house on fire. It was further alleged that when her daughter in law Hayaton Nessa resisted, the accused No. 3, namely Tamiz Uddin, grievously injured her with the rod in his hand. On the basis of the aforesaid FIR, Katigorah Police Station Case No. 108/04 under Section 147/149/447/436/325 of IPC was registered.

6. The investigating officer thereafter, started the investigation and after completion of the investigation, laid charge sheet being CS No. 185 dated 29.07.2005 against 13 accused persons.

7. Initially, the charges were framed by the learned trial Court below under Section 147/149/436 of IPC. However, it is to be noted herein that subsequently, the charges framed were amended and additionally, charges under Section 323 of IPC was added. The appellants did not plead guilty and accordingly trial was comments.

8. The learned trial Court below subsequently, added 4 (four) more accused persons in exercise of power under Section 319 Cr.P.C. Thus, total 17 (seventeen) accused persons were tried. Out of 17 (seventeen) accused, the appellants in Crl.A.No. 16/2009 as recorded hereinabove were only convicted and the rest of the accused persons were acquitted from the charges. Being aggrieved by such acquittal, the State has preferred the connected Crl.A. No. 79/2009 and the informant Musstt. Kulsuma Bibi preferred the connected Crl.Rev.Petition No. 101/2009 and accordingly, all three petitions were taken up together for final disposal.

Page No.# 9/36

9. To bring whom the charges against the appellant, the prosecution examined as many as 9 witnesses. The accused were examined under the provision of Section 313 Cr.P.C.. The defence also laid evidence of 8 witnesses and thereafter the learned trial court below convicted the appellants in Crl.A. No. 16/2009 and acquitted the appellants/respondent in Crl.A.No.79/2009 and Crl.Rev.Pet.No. 101/2009 and sentenced them as discussed hereinabove.

10. Before having the determination, let this court first examine the depositions of the PWs.

I. PW1, Musstt. Kulsuna Bibi was the informant. During her first examination, she deposed that the accused namely Lechu Master, Maklis, Abdul Malik, Bulur, Tomiz, Maklis, Eklas, Azir, Anwar, Monaf, Amir, Numan, Atu @ Watir, Salek, Alek, Rayob and others came from the house of the Lechu Master having dao, rod and kerosene etc. in their hands and at the direction of Lechu Master, said accused persons set fire the dwelling house of the informant and according to her, accused Monaf sprinkled kerosene oil and accused Atu @ Watir set fire to her house. She further deposed that the accused Salek, Alek and all other accused persons also participated in setting fire. According to her, her house was completely gutted along with paddy, wooden almirahs, CI Sheets and gold ornaments. According to her, her daughter in law Hawarun Nessa (PW-4) was assaulted by accused Tomiz, Azizul, Khalilur Rahman, Adbur Rahman, Alim Uddin, Foizul. According to her the accused Tomiz, Azizul, Khalilur Rahman, Adbur Rahman, Alim Uddin, Foizul tried to extinguish the fire but the accused Page No.# 10/36

persons obstructed to it.

During her cross-examination, she deposed that she could not say what was written in the FIR.

She denied the suggestion of the prosecution that she has not stated before the police as regards involvement of accused Maklis, Eklas, Azir, Anwar, Monaf, Amir, Numan etc. She further denied the suggestion that she had not stated before the police as regards instigation of Lechu Master. She also denied the suggestion of the defence that she did not state before the police that Monaf sprinkled kerosene in the house.

In her cross-examination, she stated that somebody amongst the group had set the house on fire. She further deposed during cross- examination that she could not identify who set the house on fire. She also denied the suggestion of the defence that she did not state before the police as regards her daughter in law being assaulted by Tamiz. During cross-examination, she also admitted that a litigation is pending before the learned Sessions Court wherein her son is an accused and the said case was lodged with an allegation of beating Aklasuddin and his brother Aklesuddin.

She denied the suggestion that accused Amiruddin was implicated in the case for the reason that he was a witnessed against the son of the informant in the aforesaid Sessions case pending. She denied the suggestion of approaching for compromise with Aklasuddin as regards Sessions case pending against her son. She denied the suggestion of the defence that accused Aklasuddin, Moklisur, Tamiz Page No.# 11/36

and Ajiruddin were not present at the place of occurrence rather they were present in Silchar Medical College and Hospital. During her cross-examination she admitted that as many as 44 Nos. of cases were pending against her husband in different Court's in Silchar. She denied the suggestion that the prosecution case is false and that accused were wrongly been implicated in the case.

The said PW-1 was again re-examined and during her re- examination deposed that accused Imad Uddin @ Lechu Master ordered the other accused persons to set fire to her dwelling house. The accused Abdul Malik set fire on the hay stack. She further deposed that the accused Bulur @ Aklis and Lechu Master assaulted her daughter in law Rejia and Hawarun Nessa with rod. She further deposed that all the accused persons were came in a mass and set fire.

During her cross-examination after re-examination, she deposed that the accused Maklisur Rahman was a Rly employee and he has been living in the Rly quarter at Badarpur and accused Abdul Malik was a teacher and served in the same School with accused Imad Uddin and accused Bulur is a GP member. She stated that she was unaware of any pending litigation between her husband and accused Ilias Ali where accused Imad Uddin was an accused. She denied the suggestion that she did not state before the police that the accused Abdul Malik set fire on the hay stack. She denied the suggestion that the accused Bulur and Malik did not assault her two daughters in law. She also denied the suggestion that she did not state before the police that all the four accused persons namely Page No.# 12/36

Imad Uddin, Mukbeswar Rahman, Bulur Uddin and Abdul Malik assaulted her daughter in law.

The prosecution examined PW-3 and PW-4 as eye witnesses and therefore, let us first consider the evidence of PW-3 and PW-4.

II. PW3 Rejia Begum is the daughter in law of the PW-1.

During her examination in chief, she deposed that, the accused persons namely, Imad Uddin @ Lechu Master and his brother Maklis, Abdul Malik, Monaf, Bulur, Maklis, Eklas, Tomij, Ajir, Numan, Amir, Anward, Atu, Salek, Alek, Muboi and Rayab came to their house with rod etc. along the kerosene oil. Accused Imad Uddin, according to her ordered to sprinkle the petrol and kerosene in their dwelling house. She deposed that the accused Monaf and Numan climbed on the roof of the house and sprinkled kerosene and petrol then, accused Atu, Moboi and Salek also sprinkled kerosene oil and set fire in the house. All other accused also took part in setting fire. She also deposed that the house was completely gutted with paddy, cash money, land documents etc. According to her, accused Tamiz assaulted PW-4 Hawarun Nessa on her head and she sustained injury. According to her, accused Moboi also assaulted her causing fracture on her hands and fingers. According to her, after hearing the hue and cry, their sons namely Khalil, Alim, Abdur Rahim, Asan and Sirai came to the place of occurrence and rescued them. She deposed that due to the mischief, police came to the place of occurrence and thereafter they took them to Kalain CGC for treatment and thereafter, referred to Silchar Medical Page No.# 13/36

College Hospital for better treatment.

During cross-examination, she deposed that on the date of occurrence, none except the accused came to their house. She denied the suggestion that she did not sate before the police about the names of 17 accused persons. She further denied the suggestion that she did not state before the police that Sirai, Khalil, Alim and Asan came to the place of occurrence on hearing their hulla. She denied the suggestion that she did not state before the police that accused Numan and Monaf climbed over the roof and sprinkled kerosene oil. She denied the suggestion that a sessions case was pending against her husband for cutting off the hand of Ilias Uddin. She further denied the suggestion that accused Eklas Uddin filed the FIR against her husband. She denied the suggestion that she did state earlier that about 400/500 villagers gathered at the place of occurrence and she could not say out of them who had set fire.

This PW-3 was also re-cross examined after the accused Imad Uddin, Bulur, Maklis and Abdul Malik were brought to trial in exercise of power under Section 319 Cr.P.C.

During her re-examination she deposed that the accused Abdul Malik set fire to their hay stack. Accused Maklis and Bulur sprinkled petrol to their house and thereafter set fire and accused Maklis and Bulur assaulted her and torn out her wearing saree.

During her cross-examination, she deposed that she did not state before the police as regards implicating accused Imad Uddin, Abdul Page No.# 14/36

Malik and Bulur at any state.

III. PW4, Hawarun Nessa is another daughter in law of PW-

1 informant. During her examination, she deposed that accused namely Emad Uddin and his brother Maklis, Abdul Malik, Bulur, Monaf, Tomij, Anwar, Eklas and his brother Maklis, Ajir Atu @ Watir Ali, Muboi, Salek, Alek, Rayab, Amir and Numan having dao, lathi, rod, gallon came to their house. According to her, accused Emad Uddin ordered the accused persons to set fire to their dwelling house. According to her, accused Moboi, Salek, Monaf and Numan sprinkled petrol and the remaining persons set fire to their house. She also deposed that Tamij assaulted on her head causing injures. She also deposed that the accused Moboi also assaulted her causing fracture in hand.

During cross-examination, she deposed that except seventeen accused persons and four witnesses, none of the villagers came to their house at the time of occurrence. She deposed that there were many people living in their village but she could not say the exact number of families. According to her, police brought her along with Kulsuma, Rejia and Sajna Begum. Police dropped her in her father's house and the others were also dropped at their father's houses. She denied the suggestion that, she did not state before the police that four women were present in the house at the time of the alleged occurrence. She denied the suggestion that she did not state before the police that Emad, Maklis, Abdul Malik, Bulur, Monaf, Tomij, Anowar, Eklas, Ajir, Atu @ Watir Ali, Moboi, Salek, Page No.# 15/36

Alek, Rayab, Amir Numan entered into their house with dao lathi rod and gallon, accused Atu, Moboi, and Salek had sprinkled petrol to their house. She denied the suggestion that she did not state before the police that other accused persons set fire to their house after sprinkling oil. She also denied the suggestion that she did not state before the police that accused Moboi assaulted her causing fracture in her hand. Khalil, abdur Rahman and other two witnesses came to the place of occurrence about ½ to 1 hour of the occurrence. She further denied the suggestion that a criminal case is going on against the elder brother of her husband and her father in law for severing the hand of Ilias Uddin. She denied the suggestion that she did not state before the police that all the accused persons came to their house with dao, lathi, rod and gallon. She denied the suggestion that she did not state before the police that Emad Uddin ordered the accused persons to set fire to their house. She denied the suggestion that accused Tomij did not assault her on the head with rod and Moboi by bamboo stick causing fracture in her hand.

During her re-examination, she deposed that accused Imad Uddin ordered to sprinkle petrol around their dwelling house and to set fire. Accused Bulur and Maklis set fire accordingly. Accused Bulur and Maklis assaulted her and her sister in law. Accused Abdul Malik set fire to their hay stack. She deposed that they found accused Lechu Master sitting in the police station. She further deposed that she was taken to Kalain hospital and her sister in law i.e. (PW-3) was also taken to the said hospital. She further deposed that the Page No.# 16/36

officer-in-charge refused to register the FIR for the reason of Lechu Master and Abdul Malik being named as accused. Thereafter, on direction of the Officer-in-Charge, a new FIR was lodged.

During cross-examination she denied the suggestion that she did not state before the police that accused Maklis and Bulur assaulted her and also PW-3. She also denied the suggestion that she did not state before the police that accused Abdul Malik set fire to the hay stack. She denied the suggestion that her father in law had land disputes and many cases against accused Abdul Malik. She denied the suggestion that she did not state before the police that accused Lechu Master was found sitting in the police station when they were taken to the police station.

IV. PW-5 Md. Alimuddin was examined as independent witness. According to him, while he was coming home from daily work, suddenly heard hue and cry of PW-1 and went there. Then he saw accused Imad Uddin @ Lichu Master, Maklis Uddin, Watir Ali, Moboi, Salekh, Raiyob, Alekh, Amir Ali, Numan, Monaf, Bulur, Eklas Uddin, Tomij Uddin, Azir Uddin, Maklis and Anwar Uddin with petrol, kerosene, lathi and rod in their hands. He further deposed that accused Muboi and Atu Watir and Salekh jumped over the roof of the house and poured petrol from their gallon and then Eklas & Tomij and other accused persons took hay stack and dry leaves of betal nut threes and these were put into the house and then accused Imad Uddin ordered to set fire. At first accused Watir set fire and Moboi and others also participated in setting fire. It was completely gutted with all belongings including paddy. According to Page No.# 17/36

him, Atu, Moboi and Tomiz assaulted Hawarun nessa (PW-4) and Rejia (PW-3) was assaulted by Maklis and Bulur. Thereafter, according to him, police arrived at the place of occurrence and the witness boarded in the police vehicle and went to Katigorah Police Station where they found Imad Uddin sitting. Then, they proceeded to Kalain Hospital with the injured with police. According to him, Kalain Hospital did not admit the injured and then they came back to the police station and thereafter, went to Silchar Medical College and Hospital. Thereafter, the PW-1 got an ejahar written by a scribe. According to him, Katigorah Police Station refused to accept the FIR for naming of Imad Uddin as accused. Thereafter, another FIR was written and filed.

During cross-examination, he denied the suggestion of the defence as regards the statement made in the chief. The defence tried to bring a contradiction that whatever he had stated in his chief was not stated before the police. However, this witness denied all such defence suggestion.

V. PW6 is the minor. During his examination-in-chief, he deposed that the accused persons with dao, rod, gallon, lath in their hands, entered into the house. According to him, accused Imad Uddin ordered to sprinkle the petrol around the house and to set fire. Accused Monaf and Numan climbed over the roof and spread the petrol and set fire. Watir also set fire and Tomiz and Muboi assaulted PW-3. According to him, accused Bulur and Maklis assaulted PW-4. He further deposed that when they raised hue and Page No.# 18/36

cry, Alim Uddin, Asan, Siraj and Abdur Rahman came to their rescue. According to him, all the accused persons were involved in setting fire. When they came out their house, they saw police arrived with vehicle and the police took them to the police station. According to him, Police took Rejia (PW-3) and Hawarun (PW-4) to Kalain Hospital but the said hospital did not admit the injured. Thereafter, they were sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital.

According to the defence, this witness had not stated anything whatever he had stated during his examination as witness and accordingly, suggested that those statements were not made before the police which this witness had denied.

VI. PW-7 Dr. S. Bhowmick, is the Doctor who according to the prosecution examined the injured witnesses at Silchar Medical College and Hospital. He proved the Exhibit-1, and Injury Register of Kalain CHC.

According to him, Sl No.465 dated 16.03.2004 entered into the Register relates to injured Hawarun Nessa (PW-4) and in the said entry, it was recorded that the injured sustained lacerated injury on the right frontal region.

He further deposed that SL. No. 466 dated 16.03.2004 entered in the said register relates to Rejia Begum (PW-3), wherein it was written that she sustained injury on the muscle. However, he denied that such register was not written by him. Such document was exhibited under objection (Exhibit-1).

Page No.# 19/36

He proved another document i.e. Exhibit-3. According to him, Exhibit-3 was issued on 28.06.2005 and according to him, Exhibit-3 was his report and Exhibit-3(1), was his signature.

He further deposed that there was no mention, when he examined the aforesaid patients.

During cross-examination, he deposed that the Sl. No. 465 and 466 in Exhibit-1 dated 16.03.2004 was not written by him and he cannot say in whose handwriting was written. However, he admitted that Exhibit-3 was written by him and by the said document, it was certified that the persons examined by him on police requisition and he found no sign of injury on their parts.

VII. PW8 Mr. Abdul Hai Choudhury, was the Investigating Officer of the case. In his examination-in-chief, deposed that on 16.03.2004, he received the ejahar and registered the case. He visited the place of occurrence, drew the sketch map and he proved the sketch map and his signature. He also deposed that he sent the injured PW-3 and PW-4 to Kalain CHC for treatment which in turn, referred to Silchar Medical College and Hospital. He further deposed that he recorded the statements, seized some burnt materials, including the half burnt wooden piece, CI sheet etc and he exhibited the seizure list of those materials. He further deposed that he also collected that injury report and on completion of the investigation, submitted the charge sheet against the accused persons. He deposed in his examination-in-chief that he cannot say whether informant filed an FIR mentioning the name of Lechu Master @ Imad Uddin and three others along with other accused Page No.# 20/36

persons as the case was registered by the Officer-in-Charge. .

During cross-examination, he deposed that the FIR was registered by the Officer-in-Charge at 01.05 P.M., he opened the case diary at 01.10 P.M. and reached the place of occurrence which was 3 KM away from the police station at around 02:00 PM.

During cross-examination, he further deposed that the nearest neighbor of the house which was gutted, was of one Khalil Ahmed and he recorded the statement of Kahlil Ahmed. (Khalil was not examined).

During cross-examination, he further deposed that PW-1 Kulsuma Bibi did not state before him that accused Maklis, Abdul Malik, Bulur, tomij, Maklis brother of Tomij, Aklas, Ajir, Anwar, Monaf, Amin, Numan, Watir, Moboi, Salek, Alek, Roib and others came from the house of Lechu Master with dao, rod and kerosene in their hand entered towards her house but stated that her dwelling house was set on fire after spreading kerosene.

PW-1 also did not state before him that accused Monaf sprinkled kerosene on the dwelling house and Watir set fire.

The PW-1 did not state before him that her daughter-in-law Hawarun Nessa was assaulted by accused Tomij.

The PW-1 also stated before him that they had long standing litigation with the accused persons.

The PW-1 did not state that accused Alek and Salek participated in setting fire to their house.

Page No.# 21/36

The PW-1 also did not state before him that 8 numbers of wooden almirahs were gutted.

The PW-1 also did not state before him that Ajijur, Khalilur, Abdur Rahman, alim Uddin, Oizul and others tried to extinguish the fire but the accused persons obstructed them. The PW-1 also did not state before him that after the occurrence, she reported the matter to the male members of the family. The PW-1 also did not state before him that the accused persons assaulted her two daughters- in-law.

He recorded the statement of PW-1 at 1:15 PM at the police station. The PW-1 did not state before him that she found Imad Uddin @ Lechu Master sitting in the police station while she came to lodge the FIR.

PW-2 Foizul Hoque was examined at the place of occurrence on 16.03.2004 at 2:30 PM. The PW-2 did not state before him that the accused persons sprinkled petrol to his house and thereafter, set fire. But he stated that they set fire. The PW-2 did not state before him that he got information of the occurrence from his daughter-in- law. the PW-2 also did not states before him that unless he brought out his son, the accused persons would set fire to his house and he would be assaulted but stated that they created pressure to hand over his son.

VIII. PW-9 is the another Doctor who examined the injured at Silchar Medical College and Hospital. According to him, he examined Hawarun Nessa (PW-4) and found lacerated wound on Page No.# 22/36

the right side of the forehead 2 cm, multiple abrasions on right hand and forearm and tenderness over left shoulder. He further deposed that on examination of Mst. Rejia Begum (PW-3), he found that tenderness over right hip and right back. He exhibited the medical report as Exhibit-7 and his signature as Exhibit 7(1).

He further deposed that he prepared the report on the basis of the injury register of SMCH.

During cross-examination, he deposed that he cannot say the name of the doctor, who examined the above patients. According to him, injuries were written and recorded by the same doctor in the injury register.

He further deposed that all the injuries were superficial and that may be caused by fall on hard substance. He further deposed that tenderness is not a visible injury. He further admitted that against the Sl. No. 4117/04 registered against Hawatun Nessa (PW-4), in the column diagnosis and treatment, there was an erasing and over writing. He further deposed that there was also an over writing in injury register.

11. Mr. A. M. Bora, learned Senior Counsel for the convicted appellants argues that from the evidence on record and the circumstances, it is not conclusively proved that the accused appellants are the perpetrators of the offence of rioting and mischief by fire with intent to destroy the house etc. inasmuch as the evidence of the alleged eye witnesses are not reliable being vitiated by vital inconsistencies, contractions and improvements in Page No.# 23/36

their deposition at two stage during Trial and under Section 161 of Cr.P.C., made before the police as well as the allegations made in the FIR and such material contradictions etc. has duly been established by the defence during their cross-examination of the said witnesses as well as of the I.O. Therefore, based on such evidence, the accused ought not to have been convicted.

12. According to Mr. Bora, learned Senior Counsel, there are major contradictions in the evidence of PW-3 and PW-4 as regards the involvement of the accused appellants in the commission of the alleged offence. At the same time, there are vital inconsistencies in evidence of the projected eyewitnesses viz PW-1, PW-3, PW-4, PW-5 and PW-6 and thus, there are serious doubts as regards the role of the accused appellants as well as trustworthiness of these witnesses.

13. The eyewitnesses implicated one Lechu Master @ Imad Uddin to be present at the place of occurrence and the instigator of the offences, but it was duly proved by the defence that the said person was not present at the place of occurrence. In fact such a person was acquitted by the learned trial Court.

14. It is also argued by Mr. Bora, learned Senior Counsel that though the prosecution witnesses projected that large number of villagers gathered and tried extinguish the fire, itself is doubtful for the reason of the failure on the part of the prosecution to examine any of such person and entire trial was based on the evidence of the interested witnesses and the relatives/family members of the informant.

15. While concluding his argument, Mr. Bora, learned Senior Counsel Page No.# 24/36

submits that on the same set of evidences, 13 accused persons, on the same standing, have been acquitted and therefore considering the inconsistencies and major contradictions in the evidence of the eyewitnesses to the occurrence, the convicted accused/appellants are also entitled for acquittal inasmuch as the prosecution has failed to prove their case beyond all reasonable doubt that the present accused appellants are the perpetrators of the alleged offence.

16. Per contra, Mr. P. Borthakur, learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the State, submits that the learned trial Court, while acquitting the 13 accused, failed to appreciate the evidence on record in its proper perspective and arrived at an erroneous decision. The learned trial Court conveniently ignored the evidence of PW-1, i.e. the informant recorded on 25.04.2007, inasmuch as in the said deposition she had specifically implicated all the accused persons. The findings of the learned trial Court that the PW-1, PW-3 and PW-4, the three eyewitnesses did not implicate the acquitted accused Abdul Malik at the first instance of evidence that he had set fire on the hay-stack and that the prosecution has developed a further story, is perverse since evidence of PW-1 was duly corroborated by evidence of PW-2 and PW-3.

17. According to the learned Additional Public Prosecutor, the learned trial Court failed to appreciate that though Imad Uddin @ Lechu Master and Abdul Malik were not implicated in the FIR, however, PW-1 has given a reasonable explanation in this regard, however, the learned trial Court disbelieved the explanation of the PW-1 resulting in acquittal of the aforesaid two accused persons.

Page No.# 25/36

18. It is his further contention that though the acquitted accused Imad Uddin @ Lechu Master, Abdul Malik, Maklishur Rahman, Bulur Uddin, Eklas Uddin, Maklishur Rahman, Azir Uddin Barbhuiya and Tamiz Uddin took a plea of alibi, however, they failed to substantiate their plea by adducing cogent and unrebuttable evidence; rather, they were duly implicated by the eyewitnesses.

19. It is also contended by Mr. Borthakur, learned Additional Public Prosecutor, that the injury sustained by PW-4 has not properly been appreciated by the learned trial Court inasmuch as the available evidence on record shows that accused Tamiz, Muboi attacked her. According to him, the learned trial Court perversely held that the evidence of the Doctor i.e. the PW-7 has created a great suspicion as to the injuries of PW-3 and PW-4 contrary to the evidence on record.

20. Ms. B. Sarma, learned counsel for the petitioner in Criminal Revision Petition No. 101/2009, while adopting the argument of the learned Additional Public Prosecutor, she further argues that the findings of the learned trial Court that the Maklishur Rahman was not there at the time and place of occurrence, is based on surmises and conjunctures and according to her, the prosecution had duly proved the guilt of all the accused persons for offences under Sections 147/436/149/323 IPC beyond reasonable doubt. According to her, the inconsistencies, contradictions, and improvements are minor in nature and can not be said to be material contradictions, vitiating the testimonies of such witnesses.

21. This Court has given anxious consideration to the arguments advanced by the learned counsel for the parties. Also, perused the materials Page No.# 26/36

available on record.

22. The prosecution projected PW-1, PW-3, PW-4, PW-5 and PW-6 as the eyewitnesses. The PW-1, in her examination at the first instance implicated accused Lechu Master, Malkis, Abdul Malik, Bulur, Tamiz and his brother Maklis, Aklas, Azir, Anwar, Mannaf, Amin, Numon, Atu@ Watir, Muboi, Salek, Alek, Rayob, and it is testified that they came from the house of Lechu Master, having dao, rod and kerosene in their hands. She implicated that the acquitted accused Lechu Master directed accused Mannaf to sprinkle kerosene, and accused Atu @ Watir set fire to the house of PW-1. She also implicated all the accused persons in setting fire. According to her, PW-3 was assaulted by the accused Tamiz. The villagers, Azizul, Khalilur Rahman, Abdur Rahman, Alimuddin, Foizul and others tried to extinguish the fire, but the accused persons obstructed it.

23. It is to be recorded that none of the aforesaid persons, who tried to extinguish the fire, have been examined by the prosecution.

24. In her cross-examination in the first instance, she admitted that she had not stated before the police that the accused persons had set fire to the house and that she also did not mention in the FIR that the accused persons had set fire to the house. In her cross-examination, she admitted that among the accused persons, somebody set fire, whom she could not identify.

25. As recorded hereinabove, this witness was once again examined, invoking the provision of Section 319 Cr.P.C., and during such examination, she stated that the accused Abdul Malik Set fire, accused Bulur, Maklis and Page No.# 27/36

Imad Uddin assaulted her daughter-in-law with a rod. And during cross- examination, she testified that she could not identify who set fire.

26. The PW-8, i.e. I.O., in his cross-examination admitted that the PW-1 did not state before him that the accused persons came from the house of Lechu Master with dao and kerosene and then entered to the house. The PW-8 also admitted that the PW-1 did not state before him that the accused Mannaf sprinkled kerosene on the dwelling house and Watir set fire, and that her daughter-in-law (PW-4) was assaulted by the accused Tamiz. According to this witness, PW-1 did not state before him that the accused, Alek and Salek, participated in setting fire to their house and that the accused persons assaulted her two daughter-in-laws.

27. Thus, from a close scrutiny of the testimony of PW-1, more particularly, the aforesaid two sets of testimony of PW-1, it is seen that in the First testimony, PW-1 is silent about Mannaf sprinkling kerosene and also about the accused, Watir, but stated accused Abdul Malik set fire. However, in her re-examination, she had now implicated, accused Bulur, Maklis, and Imad Uddin for the first time for assaulting her daughter-in-laws, whereas in her first statement, she had implicated accused Tamiz on this count. From the evidence of PW-8 i.e. the I.O., it is seen that her subsequent deposition does not corroborate her earlier deposition as well as her statement recorded under section 161 Cr.P.C. Beyond that, she testified during cross-examination by the defence that she could not identify the culprit, who set fire to the house. In the backdrop of the aforesaid evidence, it is the considered opinion of this Court that the defence was able to establish the there are material contradictions, inconsistencies and Page No.# 28/36

improvements in the statement of the PW1.

28. Now, let this Court appreciate the testimony of PW-3, which is another star eyewitness for the prosecution i.e. the daughter-in-law of PW-1. When her evidence was recorded for the first time, she projected that the accused Imad Uddin ordered to sprinkle petrol and kerosene, and that the accused Mannaf and Numan climbed on the roof of the house and sprinkled petrol and kerosene. She further implicated that Watir, Muboi, and Salek also sprinkled kerosene and set fire. According to her, accused Tamiz assaulted PW-4 on her head and accused Muboi assaulted her, causing fractures on her hands and fingers. When her statement was recorded invoking the provision of Section 319 of the Cr.P.C., now she implicated the accused Abdul Malik, Maklis and Bulur for sprinkling petrol and setting fire and that the accused Maklis and Bulur assaulted her and tore her saree. Thus, in her re-examination, she was silent about the accused Numan Uddin and Abdul Mannaf, but implicated accused Abdul Malik, Maklis and Bulur, who were not implicated by her in her earlier statement recorded.

29. The I.O., during his cross-examination, also affirmed that this witness, while recording her statement under section 161 CrPC, did not implicate the accused Muboi and Tamiz in assaulting PW-4 and that she did not implicate accused Maklis and Bulur in setting fire to their house and also did not implicate the accused Imad Uddin, Abdul Malik and Bulur. Thus, this witness is also not consistent at different stages, rather implicating different accused persons at different stages of recording statements.

30. Now coming to the other star witness i.e. PW-4, another daughter-in-

Page No.# 29/36

law of the PW-1. According to her, accused Imad Uddin ordered the accused persons to set fire and accused Atu, Muboi, Salek, Mannaf, and Numan sprinkled petrol, and others set fire to the house. Now she implicates accused Tamiz as the assailant on her head, causing injury and implicates accused Muboi for assaulting her and causing a fracture in her hand. During her re-examination invoking Section 319 of the Cr.P.C., she now implicated accused Bulur and Maklis for setting fire, and the accused Bulur and Maklis for assaulting her and her sister-in-law (PW-3). Thus, she was silent about accused Tamiz assaulting her in her first statement and now, implicated the accused Bulur and Maklis for the assault. During her re-examination, she was also silent about the role of the accused Muboi, Atu, Salek, Mannaf, sprinkling petrol as stated in her earlier statement.

31. The PW-8, in his cross-examination, affirmed that this witness did not state before him that the accused Mannaf and Numan sprinkled petrol and did not state that accused Muboi assaulted her, causing fracture in her hand. PW-8 also affirmed that the PW-4 did not state before him that the accused persons came to their house with dao, lathi, rod and gallon and that the accused Imad Uddin ordered the accused persons to set fire. This witness (PW-8) further admitted that the PW-4 did not state before him that the accused persons entered into their house with lathi, dao and gallon. PW-4 did not state before PW-8 that the accused Muboi assaulted her, and that accused Bulur and Maklis assaulted her and PW-3.

32. So far, relating to the injury upon PW-3 and PW-4, the PW-7 (Doctor), though admitted that he medically examined PW-4 and PW-3 on police requisition, however, found no sign of injury on their persons. During Page No.# 30/36

cross-examination, this witness admitted that though the medical register shows that PW-4 sustained lacerated injury on the right side of the forehead and PW-3 sustained injury on muscle, however, this witness (PW-

7), deposed that such entry was not written by him and he cannot say in whose hand writing, it was written. That being the position, the learned trial Court was right in not relying upon this witness, however, at the same time, the learned trial Court ignored that the testimony of PW-3 and PW-4 so far relating to their injury, which are alleged to be serious injuries like fracture, head injury etc., was not even remotely corroborated by the evidence of Doctor (PW-7), even if it is accepted to be correct and however, creates a serious doubt on credibility of the evidence of PW-3 and PW-4 together with the inconsistencies, contradictions and improvements in their statement at different stages as recorded hereinabove. The other Doctor PW-9 though exhibited medical report as Ext.6 and supported such injury, however, those injuries are also donot disclosed any fracture in the hand of PW-3 and PW-4 as projected by them and this Doctors for reasons not know had also deposed during his cross examination that he cannot say the name of the doctor who examined the above patients and injuries were written and recorded by the same doctor in the injury register. He also admitted that so far regarding the admission registrar of PW-4 under SL No. 4117/04, there was an erasing and overwriting and that there were overwriting in the injury register.

33. PW-5 Alim Uddin is also projected as an eyewitness. According to this witness, he saw all the accused persons with petrol, kerosene, lathi and a rod in their hands. He implicated accused Imad Uddin as the instigator who ordered to set fire, and that accused Atu, Muboi and Tamiz assaulted Page No.# 31/36

the PW-4, and accused Maklis and Bulur assaulted the PW-3.

34. The PW-8 i.e. I.O., in his cross-examination admitted that this witness did not mention the name of any accused person before him. During cross-examination, the defence contradicted PW-5 that whatever he stated in chief, was not stated before the police though such defence suggestion was denied but as seen hereinabove, PW-8 (IO) admitted that PW-5 did not state whatever he has stated before the Court and such statements are made for the first time in Court.

35. PW-6, a minor witness of 12 years, though implicated the accused persons as recorded hereinabove, however, he was contradicted by the defence that whatever he had stated in the Court, was not stated before the police and though this witness denied such suggestion, however, PW-8 (IO), in his cross-examination admitted that this witness did not implicate the accused, namely, Imad Uddin, Maklis, Abdul Malik, Bulur, Tamiz, Aklas, Ajir, Anwar, Mannaf, Amir, Numan and Royab before him. According to the I.O, this witness also did not state before him that the accused persons entered into the house of PW-1 with dao, lathi, rod and gallon and that the accused Lachu Master ordered to sprinkle petrol around the house and to set fire. He also did not state before the PW-8 that accused Mannaf and Numan climbed over the roof of the house and sprinkled petrol and set fire. According to the I.O., this witness also did not state before him that the accused Alek, Muboi and Watir sprinkled kerosene on their house and that accused Tamiz and Muboi assaulted PW-4 and accused Bulur and Maklis assaulted PW-3. Thus, in the considered opinion of this Court, the defence was successful in bringing material improvement by this witness Page No.# 32/36

also.

36. The primary allegation in the present case is an offence under Section 436 of the IPC committed by the accused persons (acquitted and convicted) having a common object and that the assembly of the accused persons were an unlawful assembly. Therefore, first, this Court is to consider whether the prosecution has been able to establish beyond all reasonable doubt that the accused persons assembled with a common unlawful object to do mischief by fire with the intent to destroy the house of PW-1.

37. To establish the projection of the prosecution as regards the mischief by fire, the prosecution heavily placed reliance on the testimonies of the PW- 1, PW-3, PW-4, PW-5 and PW-6, which, as recorded herein above, do not inspire confidence in this Court to convict the accused persons.

38. The contradictions, improvements and inconsistencies as recorded hereinabove, in the opinion of this Court, are material and significant contradictions, improvements and inconsistencies for which the testimony/statement of PW-1, PW-3 and PW-4 has significantly weakened its reliability. Not only version of each of these projected eye witnesses are different but also contradictory and irreconcilable to held, based on such testimonies, that prosecution has been able to establish beyond all reasonable doubt that offences under section 436 IPC is committed by any one of the member of these alleged unlawful assembly, to rope in all the members of unlawful assembly. The material contradiction and inconsistencies cast a doubt in the mind of this Court as to the reliability and trustworthiness of these witnesses. In the present case, the different Page No.# 33/36

inconsistencies and discrepancies at different stages, as highlighted hereinabove, in the opinion of this Court, go to the root of the matter inasmuch as such contradictions etc. cannot be said to be minor inconsistencies and discrepancies but substantial in nature, affecting the core of the prosecution case.

39. Further, the defence through their cross-examination, had successfully challenged the credibility of these prosecution witnesses creating serious doubt upon the basic factum of commission of an offence under Section 436 of IPC inasmuch as in a case under Section 436 of IPC, the persecution is required to establish that atleast any one of the accused persons set fire to a human dwelling house with an intention or knowing that it is likely to cause or damage to the person or property in the said house. Here, in the case in hand, it cannot be said that the accused appellants have committed such mischief, and a serious doubt has been created as to the involvement of the accused appellants in the commission of such a crime. In fact, the learned trial Court on the same set of evidence had acquitted 13 accused persons out of a total 17 (seventeen) accused.

40. From the evidence of PW-1, PW-3, PW-4, PW-5 and PW-6, it cannot be said that such evidence leads to a conclusion that it was none, but the accused appellants, who had set fire in the house. It is true that to convict under Section 149 IPC, there doesn't need to be an individual overact of each of the member of unlawful assembly, however, the prosecution is firstly, to establish that an offence is committed by any of the member of such group, in the case in hand offence under Section 436 IPC. When, as Page No.# 34/36

record hereinabove, a serious doubt has been created as regards commission of offence under Section 436 IPC by any of the member of the accused group, rather majority of the accused has been acquitted on the same set of evidence, it can be said that an offence under Section 149 IPC was committed. To summaries, when there is a serious doubt of commission of offence under Section 436 IPC by any of the member of such alleged unlawful assembly, it cannot be said that it was an unlawful assembly inasmuch as it will become an unlawful assembly only when they had a common object to commit some offence.

41. To infer the common object of an unlawful assembly, there may not be any direct evidence, but the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident, including the nature of the assembly, the weapons and tools used and the action and behavior of the group before, during and after the event is shall be very vital. In the case in hand, as recorded hereinabove, from the prosecution witnesses more particularly, of the projected eyewitnesses, it was not even clear whether all the accused initial charge- sheeted and subsequently added, were part of the assembly, though these witnesses named different persons at different point of time to be part of such assembly inasmuch as the 17 accused alleged to be part of such unlawful assembly has already been acquitted on the same set of evidence. At the cost of repetition, it is recorded herein that the evidence of PW-1, PW-3, PW-4, PW-5 and PW-6 does not inspire confidence in this Court to safely conclude that these accused were even part of any such assembly.

42. Similar is the case in respect of conviction under Section 146 IPC. That Page No.# 35/36

being the position, this Court is of the unhesitant view that there is a serious doubt in the version of the prosecution evidence to convict the accused appellants under Section 146/149/436 IPC.

43. This Court cannot also be unmindful of the fact that to reverse an acquittal to conviction, the appellant State and the informant revisionist must demonstrate an illegality, perversity or error of law and fact in the decision of the learned trial Court. This Court as recorded hereinabove, did not find any illegality, perversity or error of law and fact in the decision of the learned trial Court in acquitting the other accused persons, rather it is the opinion of this Court for the reasons recorded herein above that, the present appellants ought to have also been aquited giving them benefit of doubt.

44. Upon the overall re-appreciation of the evidence, this Court has found that the evidence of PW-1, PW-3, PW-4, PW-5 and PW-6 are not clinching evidence to conclude that the prosecution has been able to prove the guilt of the accused persons beyond any reasonable doubt inasmuch as their testimonies are vitiated by material contradiction, inconsistencies and improvements creating a dent upon the prosecution story.

45. For the reasons recorded hereinabove, this Court is of the unhesitant view that the accused persons are entitled for acquittal by giving them benefit of doubt.

46. That being the position, for the same reason, this Court also cannot find fault with the acquittal of the respondent Nos. 1 to 13, in Criminal Appeal No. 79/2009 preferred by the State and in Crl.Rev.Pet. No. 101/2009 Page No.# 36/36

preferred by the informant.

47. Accordingly, the judgment and sentence dated 28.01.2009 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Cachar, Silchar in Sessions Case No. 118/06 corresponding to GR Case No. 674/04, convicting the appellant in Crl.A.No.16/2009 stands set aside and quashed. Resultantly, Crl.A.No./16/2009 stands allowed and Crl.A.No./79/2009 and Crl.Rev.P.No.101/2009 stands dismissed. The appellants shall be put at liberty forthwith. Bail bond stands discharged. TCR be returned back.

JUDGE

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