Accused 1 to 4 in S.C.30/96 on the file of Additional Sessions Judge, Pondicherry at Karaikal are the appellants. By the judgment dated 27.3.97 the learned Additional Sessions Judge convicted the Appellants/A1 to A4 under Section 395 I.P.C and sentenced them to undergo rigorous imprisonment for four years.

2.Case of the prosecution could briefly be stated thus:

Complainant-Mohamed Basil was employed with one K.M.S. Madharsha of Door No.159, V.M. Street, Thiruvellikeni. Complainant was employed to disburse money to the parties. On the night of 25.3.96, his employer Madharsha had given Mohamed Basil Rs.1,05,000/- (Rs.100/- Currency Notes 10 Bundles and Rs.50/- Currency Notes-one bundle) to be handed over to one Muslim lady near Karaikal-Ambagarathur.

3. Complainant-Mohamed Basil kept the currency bundles in a cloth pouch, tied and hidden it along his waist. On the night of 25.3.96, the complainant proceeded from Madras. On the early morning at about 5.30 a.m on 26.3.96 in Mayavaram the complainant finished his morning tiffin. At about 10.00 a.m, the complainant was proceeding in the Main Road Ambagarathur in front of the house of Chandraboss. At that time, accused 1 to 4 and