Mr. Darshan Singh, J.: - Both the appeals captioned above have been directed against the judgment of conviction dated 03.12.2010 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Gurgaon, vide which both the appellants have been held guilty and convicted for the offence punishable under Section 364-A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’-for short) and the order of sentence of the even dated, vide which they were sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life.

2. The brief facts giving rise to this prosecution are that on 20.02.2010, PW-1-complainant-Hem Narain presented the written complaint (Ex.PA) to PW-16-ASI Virender Singh alleging therein that his son Vikas aged about 10 years was student of 4th class in Sideshwar School, Gurgaon. He had gone for tuition in the neighbourhood at 3.00 p.m on 19.02.2010 and when he did not return by 5.00.p.m., he wanted to know his whereabouts. But, he did not found him at home. At that time, he received a call on his mobile phone no. 9651158348 from mobile phone no. 9654021049 informing him that Vikas was in their (caller’s) custody and they (caller’s) said that if the complainant paid Rs. 5 lacs to them, they would release his son safe and