C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy, J.

These two appeals arise out of common judgment dt.14.3.2011 in Sessions Case No.311 of 2008 on the file of the VII Additional Sessions Judge, at Kakinada. Criminal Appeal No. 359 of 2011 is filed by accused Nos.1 to 3, 5 to 11, and 13 to 15 and Criminal Appeal No.361 of 2011 is filed by accused Nos.16, 17 and 19 to 21. During the pendency of these appeals, accused No17, who is appellant No.2 in Criminal Appeal No.361 of 2011 died.

2. The case of the prosecution as reflected from the charge sheet is as follows:

(a) All the accused and the deceased are residents of Panasapadu Village of Samalkot Mandal and are close relatives. One Lingam Venkata Rao @ Babu Rao (hereinafter referred to as deceased No.1) was a Member of the Panasapadu Panchayat. Lingam Rambabu (hereinafter referred to as deceased No.2) was running an Auto and eking out his livelihood. P.W.2 is the father of P.W.1 and deceased No.2; P.W.3 is the brother of P.W.2; P.W.4 is the son of P.W.9; P.W.5 and L.W.6 are brothers; L.W.7 is the wife of deceased No.1; L.W.8 is the wife of P.W.1 a