P.K. Misra, J.

Criminal Appeal No.637 of 2004 is directed against the verdict of conviction in S.C.No.3/2003 (Velachery PS Cr.No.1047/2001) convicting the 1st accused under Secs.109 r/w 364; 109 r/w 304 (I); 109 r/w 201 IPC and convicting 2nd accused u/s.364; 304 (I); 201 IPC and convicting the accused 3,4 & 6 u/s.364, 304 (I), 201 IPC and convicting the accused 5,8 & 9 u/s.109 r/w 364 IPC and convicting 7th accused u/s.364, 109 r/w 304 (I), 201 IPC.

2. The prosecution case in brief:-

2.1 As apparent from the FIR in Velachery Police Station Crime No.1047/2001 Ex.P-1, the relevant facts are more or less a sequel or rather in continuation of the incident dated 10. 2001, which is the subject matter in the connected Crl.Appeal Nos.668 & 669 of 2004, whereunder most of the present appellants have been convicted under Sections 109 r/w.364 and 366-A IPC. Therefore, as a background material, the substance of the allegations made in connected Criminal Appeal Nos.668 & 669 of 2004, can be recounted.

2.2 The first appellant in Crl.A.No.637 of 2004, who is Accused No.1 in Velachery Police Station Cr.No.1047/2001, is the Proprietor of several hotels styled as "Hotel Saravana Bhavan. Ei