D.P. Singh, J.

1. Both the appeals, arising out of same judgment, were heard together and are being disposed of by this common judgment.

2. Both the appeals are directed against the judgment of conviction and order of sentence dated 17.2.2001 and 22.2.2001 passed by the learned 1st Additional Sessions Judge, Jamshedpur in Sessions Trial No. 254/99, whereby and whereunder the learned Sessions Judge held all the appellants guilty under Sections, 302, 376(2)(g), 201, 34 IPC and sentenced them to undergo RI for life under Section 302 IPC, 12 years RI under Section 376(2)(g) and 5 years RI under Section 201 IPC. However, sentences were directed to run concurrently.

3. The factual matrix leading to these appeals are that in the night of 1.9.11.98 Munni Devi, wife of the informant Pradeop Sao, Munni Devi was not found in the house when he returned home at about 10.45 PM. The informant tried to search her out but she could not be found. According to the informant, he went in search of his wife along with PWs 9 and 11 towards the river assuming she might have gone for natural call. However, they could not locate the lady. It is further stated that during such search appellant Raju Ch