JUDGMENT

N. J. Jamadar, J. - This appeal is directed against the judgment and order dated 17th April, 2015, passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Mangaon, District Raigad, in Sessions Case No.20 of 2012, whereby and whereunder the appellants - accused were convicted for the offences punishable under Sections 302 , 307, 324, 504 and 506 read with Section 149 and Sections 147 and 148 of the INDIAN PENAL CODE , 1860 ('the Penal Code'), and sentenced to suffer imprisonment for life and pay fine of Rs.15,000/- each for the offence punishable under Section 302 read with Section 149 ; rigorous imprisonment for the period of 10 years and fine of Rs.15,000/- each for the offence punishable under Section 307 read with Section 149 and varying periods of imprisonment and fine for the rest of the offences, with default stipulation.

2. The gravamen of indictment against the accused runs as under:

(a) Pale Tarfe Ashtami is a small village of about 100 households in Taluka Roha, District Raigad. Till the year 2011 all the residents were affiliated to Peasants and Workers Party ('PWP'). One year prior to the occurrence, 17 families joined Nationalist Congress Party ('NCP'), resulting in a