Dr. S. Muralidhar, J.

Short summary

1. Seven persons were charged with stealing and transporting three cows, a buffalo and a calf, purportedly to a slaughterhouse, in a stolen truck across Delhi in the early hours of 19th January 2013. Four police vehicles gave the truck a chase for over 30 minutes during which exchange of fire took place between the accused and the police. The dramatic chase ended with the rear tyres of the truck getting shot. When the truck stopped, four persons who tried to escape were arrested. One was found in the rear of the truck seriously injured and was brought dead at the hospital. Three others, who according to the police, escaped were later arrested.

2. The trial that ensued ended in all seven accused being convicted by the trial Court for a range of offences including criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder the policemen, injuring one policeman and preventing the police from performing their pubic duty, transporting cattle for slaughter, damaging public property and carrying illegal arms. Each of them was sentenced to a range of sentences, the maximum being imprisonment for life, apart from fine amounts.

3. By this judgment, this Court affirms the