JUDGMENT

S.Ravindra Bhat, J.

1. This judgment will dispose of three connected appeals which challenge the judgment dated 13.04.2011 passed by Learned Additional Sessions Judge (Rohini) by which the appellants were convicted of the offence under section 363/364A, IPC read with section 120-B, IPC. By order dated 26.04.2011, they were sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life, with fine.

2. The prosecution case was that on 14.01.2005, complainant Mohd. Irshad complained to the police that his son, Imran (aged 5) was missing and had been kidnapped. Imran had gone out to play the previous day but did not return. He stated that despite search, Imran could not be found. An FIR under Section 363, IPC was registered. On 31.01.2005, Mohd. Irshad informed the police that he had received ransom calls on his residential telephone as well as his cell phone demanding Rs. 3 lakhs for the release of his son. His statement was recorded and Section 364-A, IPC was added in the FIR. The investigation was entrusted to SI C.L. Meena. The IO obtained the call details. The police alleged that ransom calls were made from some STD booths in Bhadrauli and Jarar in Agra district of UP. On 05.02.2005, rans