JUDGMENT :

Uday Umesh Lalit, J.

1. This appeal challenges the judgment and final order dated 14.07.2017 passed by the High Court of Jharkhand at Ranchi dismissing Criminal Appeal No.887 of 2009 preferred by the appellants herein and thereby affirming their conviction as recorded by the Trial Court in respect of offence punishable under Sections 364-A, 201, 302 read with 34 IPC.

2. According to the prosecution, a minor girl aged about 3½ years went missing on 08.01.2006 while she was playing in front of her house. PW10 Anil Prasad Soni, father of the girl searched for the girl on the first day and thereafter lodged an information vide Sanha No.142/06 dated 09.01.2006 at 9.00 a.m. with the Officer In-charge of Bhurkunda Police Station, based on which a crime was registered vide FIR No.11/06 dated 13.01.2006 under Sections 364 and 365 IPC with Police Station Bhurkunda, S. Div. Ramgarh, District Hazaribagh.

3. According to the prosecution, a call was received by said PW10 on 11.01.2006 at about 1236 Hours, from Ramgarh STD Booth, from an unknown person threatening him that his brother was getting smarter for which said PW10 may have to pay the price. The caller told PW10 that his daughter