R.C. Chavan, J.

1. Taking exception to his conviction for offence punishable under Section 302 of Indian Penal Code and resultant sentence of imprisonment for life and fine of Rs.1,000/- imposed upon him, the accused Jaydeep @ Papya Rajanikant Bhate has preferred this appeal.

2. The appellant came to be prosecuted for murder of one Sapna, a Prostitute. The appellant was seemingly having a steady carnal relationship with Sapna for quite some time. He used to pick up Sapna from hotel Gandharva at Miraj. On 28th April, 1996, he took her to hotel Elegant at Kolhapur. The accused and Sapna registered themselves as Shri A.R. Patil and Smt. S.A. Patil and were allotted Room No.203 of hotel Elegant. Accused strangulated Sapna to death in course of his stay at the said hotel. On 29th April, 1996, between 7.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m., accused came to the Receptionists Desk and handed over key of Room No.203 of the said hotel and told Receptionist not to disturb his female companion who was sleeping in the room. He left after paying for further stay since room was initially booked only for one day.

3. Curiously the accused seems to have gone to police station Sangli City at about 10.30 p.m..