JUDGMENT

KASLIWAL, J.:—Twelve persons were challenged for the murder of Nethala Veeraswarny, a resident and Sarpanch of village Ramaraogudem in Eluru Taluq, West Godavari District (A.P.) in the night of 31-12-1977. Learned Sessions Judge, West Godavari Division, Eluru, tried the case and relying on the evidence of P.Ws. 1, 2 and 7 in toto and the evidence of P.W. 3 to some extent convicted all the accused persons for the offences charged under Section 302 read with Section 149, I.P.C. and awarded each one of them sentence of imprisonment for life and other minor terms of imprisonment for other offences. On appeal the High Court set aside the conviction and sentence of seven accused persons, namely, Dasari Bhaskara Rao (A-4), Kali China Krishna (A-5), Namburi Lakshmana (A-8), Namburi Ramulu (A-9), Namburi Prasada Rao (A-10), Mada Govardhana Rao (A-11) and Kali Kamaka Rao (A-12). The High Court confirmed the conviction of the remaining five accused persons Mullagiri Vajram (A-1), Mullagiri Yasupadam (A-2), Dasari Bhima Rao (A-3), Mada Lakshmandas (A-6) and Gadi Abraham (A-7) under Section 302 read with Section 149, I.P.C. and sentenced them to imprisonment for fife. The High Court fu