B.K.Jha, J.

1. These three appeals arise out of the judgment and order dated 23rd February, 1998, passed by the then learned Additional Sessions Judge-I, Gaya in Sessions Trial No. 25 of 1997/106 of 1997, so they were heard together and are being disposed of by this common judgment.

2. The appellants, Anil Singh, Ramadhar Singh and Jai Ram Singh, have been convicted and sentenced to RI. for life under Sec. 302 of the IPC and 5 years under Sec. 27 of the Arms Act. The appellants Sachitta Singh, Vidya Singh, Kali Singh and Mangal Singh, have been convicted and sentenced to RI. for life under Secs. 302/149 of the IPC. The appellants Vidya Singh and Sachitta Singh have further been convicted and sentenced to RI for two years under Sec. 27 of the Arms Act. The sentences awarded to the appellants. Anil Singh, Ramadhar Singh, Jai Ram Singh, Vidya Singh and Sachitta Singh, however, have been ordered to run concurrently.

3. On 15.8.1996, the informant, Suresh Singh, PW 9, lodged FIR alleging inter alia that on the same day he along with his brothers, Dani Singh. Mukhdeb Singh, PW 8 and labourer. Rajendra Manjhi, PW 1 were making ridges in his field for the transplantation of paddy c