JUDGMENT :

(Per Hon’ble Sri Justice K.Suresh Reddy)

All the four appellants/Accused in Sessions Case No.306 of 2015 on the file of the Court of Additional Sessions Judge, Hindupur, Ananthapur District, have filed the present Criminal Appeal. They were tried and convicted by the learned Additional Sessions Judge under Section 302 read with 34 IPC and they were sentenced to suffer Rigorous Imprisonment for “LIFE” each and also to pay a fine of Rs.1,000/- each in default to suffer Simple Imprisonment for a period of six (06) months. The total fine amount of Rs.4,000/- was directed to be paid to Pw-1 after the Appeal time is over.

2. Substance of the charge is that on 04.02.2024 at about 12.00 Noon, Accused Nos.1 to 4 with a common intention picked up a quarrel with one Smt. Harijana Lakshmakka (hereinafter referred to as “the deceased”) caught hold of her tuft, dragged her and beat her with hands and legs and in the same process Accused No.2 poured kerosene on her and Accused No.1 set her to fire with a match stick causing her death, thereby committed offence punishable under Section 302 read with 34 IPC.

3. Case of the prosecution, as per the evidence of prosecution witnesses is as follo