(These criminal appeals are preferred under Sec.374 (2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure against the conviction and sentence passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court I, Chingleput in S.C.No.354 of 2000 dated 19.05.2003.)

P. Sathasivam, J.

One Ravikumar @ Kundu Ravi (A1) in Sessions Case No.354 of 2000 on the file of Additional District Judge (Fast Track Court No.I) Chingleput, who suffered the punishment of life imprisonment and fine of Rs.1,000/-, in default six months rigorous imprisonment, has filed Criminal Appeal No.1370 of 2003. The second accused, viz., Murugan in the same Sessions Case questioning his conviction under Section 376 (g) read with 34 IPC and sentence to undergo 10 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs.1,000/-, in default six months rigorous imprisonment, has filed Criminal Appeal No.1016 of 2003. The third and 4th accused who suffered imprisonment of 10 years and 4 years respectively have not filed appeal.

2. The case of the prosecution is briefly stated hereunder:

(a) The deceased Rajeswari, on 28.05.1999 morning went to Madras Christian College to get an application form for the college admission. Since she did not retur