( 1 ) THIRTY three accused persons including the present appellants were charged for the murder of Venkata Reddy and China Venkaiah and for causing injuries to P. Ws. 2, 3 and 4. The learned Sessions Judge, Guntur found Accused 2,4,8,10,11,13,14, 16,18,20,22, 28 and 31 guilty and convicted Accused 2 under Sees. 148, 307 (read with Section 149) and 302 (read with Section 149), I. P. C. , and sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment for one year, rigorous imprisonment for two years and to suffer death respectively and convicted Accused 4, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 28 and 31 under Sections 148, 307. read with Sections 149 and 302 read with Section 149 and sentenced each of them to rigorous imprisonment for one year, two years and imprisonment for life respectively and the sentences were ordered to run concurrently. The learned Judge acquitted the rest of the accused. The case is now before us for confirmation. The accused also have filed separate appeals -- Appeal No, 233 of 1958 by Accused 2, 4, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16 and 22 and Criminal Appeal No. 234 of 1958 by Accused 11, 18, 20. 28 and 31.

( 2 ) THE facts leading to the reference under Section 374 Cr. P. C. and the