B.H. MARLAPALLE, J.

1. In Sessions Case No.47 of 1991 in all 42 accused faced trial for the offences punishable under Sections 147, 148, 149 of IPC and Sections 302, 307, 337 and 323 each read with Section 149 of IPC. The learned II Additional Sessions Judge at Solapur by his judgment and order dated 6/3/1992 was pleased to convict accused nos.1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 for the offences punishable under Sections 147 and 148 of IPC and Sections 302, 323, 427 and 452 each read with Section 149 of IPC and hence this appeal by the said five accused. During the pendency of this appeal one of the appellants i.e. Shri Sanjay Vishnu Bhuse (accused no.2) died on 3/3/2000 and, therefore, the appeal stands abated qua the said accused and it survives for accused nos.1, 4, 6 and 7.

1A. Shri Trimbak Shinde, a resident of Aundi, Taluka Mohol, Dist. Solapur, an influential political leader at the Taluka and District level had five sons i.e. Nashikrao, Dattatraya, Apparao, Ashok and Anil. Apparao is an Advocate practicing at Solapur and remaining four sons were at the village. Ashok was the Police Patil. For more than 15 years the members of the Village Panchayat used to be elected unopposed and