P.K. Srivastava, J

1. This appeal has been preferred against the joint judgment dated 15.5.2015 passed by Additional Sessions Judge, Court No.-7, Hardoi in ST no. 546 of 2001, State Vs. Suresh and another, Crime No. 160 of 2001, section 302, 307 IPC and Section 3(2)(v) Scheduled Castes or Schedule Tribes (Prevention and Atrocities) Act [ hereinafter referred to as SC / ST Act], ST no. 687 of 2001, State Vs. Suresh, Crime No. 162 of 2001, section 3/25 Arms Act and ST No. 588 of 2001, State Vs. Lala Ram, Crime No. 163 of 2001, Section 3/25 Arms Act related to police station Sandila, district Hardoi by which accused Suresh was convicted for charge under section 302 IPC read with Section 3/25 SC/ST Act for imprisonment for life and fine of Rs. 10000/-, for charge under section 307 IPC read with 3/25 SC/ST Act for imprisonment for life and fine of Rs. 5000/-, and for the charge under section 3/25 Arms Act for rigorous imprisonment of one year and fine of Rs. 1000/- with direction that sentences would run concurrently. Co-accused Lala Ram was also convicted in this matter but his appeal is not before us.

2. Prosecution case in brief was that on 13.5.2001 in house of complainant n