H.N. Sarma, J.

1. This criminal appeal arises out of the judgment dated 11.12.2002 passed by the Addl. Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, in GR Case No 336(A)/1998 convicting the appellant No 1 under Sections 302/34, IPC, the appellant No. 2 under Section 302/34, IPC read with Section25(1-A)(1-B) of the Anns Act, the appellant Nos 3 and 4 under Section 109/34, IPC read with Section 25(1-A)(1-B) of the Arms Act and sentencing the appellant Nos 1 and 2 to undergo life imprisonment and to pay a fine of Rs. 2,00,000.00 by each of them and the appellant Nos 3 and 4 to undergo imprisonment for 14 years and to pay a fine of Rs. 1,00,000.00 by each of them.

2. We have heard Mr N.S. Deka and Mr P. Das, learned Counsel for the appellants and Mr R Goswami, learned Public Prosecutor, Meghalaya.

3. The unfolded prosecution case, inter alia, is that on 24.11.1998, the Officer-in-Charge, Rynjah Police Station received a written complaint from one Smt YV Gatphoh of Lumshngain, Rynjah, to the effect that on the morning of 24.11.1998 in between 12.30 AM an 1.00 AM when the inmates of her compound were sleeping, her husband hearing some noise in their compound, went to the