The prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, and significant contradictions in witness statements undermine the credibility of the evidence presented.

JUDGMENT :

1. Mr. Rajesh Bhati, the learned Public Prosecutor states that Durga Ram passed away during pendency of the present Acquittal Appeal and, in support thereof, he tenders a copy of the report dated 18^th October 2024 which is taken on record.

2. The Acquittal Appeal and the Revision Petition have been filed to challenge the judgment dated 05^th October 2007 passed in Sessions Case No.03/2007 (59/2006) by which Durga Ram was acquitted of the charges framed under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and section 27 of the Arms Act and his father Chhigna Ram was acquitted of the charges framed under section 302 read with section 109 of the Indian Penal Code.

3. On the basis of a written report given by the informant Ganpat Ram on 16^th September 2006, a crime was registered vide First Information Report No.119/2006 at Pilwa P.S. According to the informant, Durga Ram, Chhigna Ram and Dharma Ram who were carrying lathi and gun threatened to kill Vishram whereupon he tried to flee away towards his house. However, Durga Ram fired shot at Vishram when he was trying to enter into the house and Durga Ram also fired on the informant.

4. In the trial, the prosecution examined nineteen witnesses and one of them was Dr. Dilip Singh Charan who conducted the postmortem examination over the dead body of Vishram and found the following injuries on his person :-

“Internal injuries :-

1. A 0.5 x 0.5 cm. circular hole in the middle lobe of right lung, entry wound in Art. Surface, exit wound on post surface

2. A 0.5 x 0.5 cm. circular hole in the upper lobe of left lung. Entry wound on the Art. Surface and exit wound on post surface.

3. Pericardial sac full of blood.

4. A 0.6 x 0.6 cm. circular hole in the upper part of right atrium.

Entry wound on Art. Surface and exit wound on post surface.”

5. The Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track), Parbatsar disbelieved the prosecution story and held that the charges framed against the accused persons were not proved beyond reasonable doubt. The trial Judge referred to the statements made by the prosecution witnesses in the cross-examination and held that they were not reliable witnesses.

6. The trial Judge discussed the evidence of the prosecution witnesses in the following manner :-

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