JUDGMENT

K.M. Natarajan, J. - C.A. No. 662 of 1986 is directed by accused 3, 5 and 7 in S.C. No. 134 of 1985 on the file of the II Additional Sessions Judge, Salem, while C.A., No. 669 of 1986 is directed by accused 1 and 4 and C.A. No. 671 of 1986 is directed by the second accused in the above case. C.A. No. 985 of 1986 is by the State against the order of acquittal of accused 1 to 4 in respect of certain charges framed against them. The appellants in C.A. Nos. 662, 669 and 671 of 1986; hereinafter referred to as accused according to their rank given before the lower court, were tried under nine charges under sections 120B, 364, 302, 120B read with sections 302, 201, 201 read with section 120B, 201 read with section 114 or 109, 404 and 193 I.P.C. on the allegation that in between 5.4.1984 and 15.4.1984 at Mettur and Salem Town in Salem District and at Vemandapalayam and Nambiyoor in Periyar District all the seven accused hatched a criminal conspiracy in order to murder the deceased Selvi Kala, and in pursuance of, the said conspiracy, all of them abducted her at about 7 A.M. on 13.4.1984 from Sales to Nambiyoor, and on the' next day (14.4.1984) at 8 P.M. thiopentone medicine was a