Mutum B.K. Singh, J.

1. This appeal is directed against the judgment dated 11-10-01 passed by the Assistant Sessions Judge, South Tripura, Udaipur in Case No. S. T. 141 (ST/S) 2000, convicting the appellant herein under Sections 458, 325, 307 and 436 of the Indian Penal Code and sentencing him to suffer consecutive rigorous imprisonment for two years, two years, five years and one year respectively.

2. Heard Mr. P. K. Biswas, learned Counsel appearing for the appellant and also heard Mr. R. C. Debnath, learned Addl. Public Prosecutor for the respondent.

3. The prosecution case is that on 17-10-1999 at about 8:30 p.m., one Sridam Ch. Das lodged a written report to the Darugababu of Sabroom PS to the effect that on the same day at about 7:30 p.m., while the informant was at Sabroom town with his elder son, one Tapan Debnath of Kathalshari bazar informed him that the informant's house has been set on the fire. On getting the said information, the informant with his elder son rushed to his house and found that the big room of his western biti along with the household articles were completely gutted by fire. It also came to know that his domestic birds (hens, ducks etc.) were also