JUDGMENT

R. S. SARKARIA, J. :— This appeal by special leave is directed against a judgment of acquittal rendered by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh.

2. The facts may now be stated.

3. There are three villages, Konda Kala Vatala, Konda Papaya Palli and Govinda Palli situated at a short distance from each other. There were two warring factions in these villages. One was led by Vellugoti Pedda Eswara Reddy deceased and MumagalaNarayana Reddy, the Sarpanch of Konda Kala-Vatala. The rival faction was headed by Akkammaredigari Venkata Kondareddy Accused No. 1 (for A-1). There was bad blood between the two factions. Both the factions were proceeded against under Sections 107/151, Cr. P. C. also.

4. The deceased was a resident of Konda Papayapalli village. On May 16, 1968, the deceased accompanied by PW 1, K. Venkatareddy, went to Jammalamadugu and stayed for the nightthere in the hotel of PW 12 (Dastagiri). On the following morning at about 8.30 a.m., they boarded bus No. APD 2083 for proceeding to their village. L. Venkata Ramanna (PW 14) was checking tickets on that bus. When the bus stopped at Sanjamalavari House, Accused 2, 3, 5 to 8 (for short, A-2, A-3, A-5 to A-8) boarded it. On seei