Rajiv Sharma, J.

1. This appeal is instituted against the judgment dated 20.03.2012 and order dated 26.03.2012 rendered by learned Sessions Judge, Nainital in S.T. No.180/2006, whereby the appellants/accused, who were charged with and tried for the offence punishable under Sections 302 I.P.C., were sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life with fine of Rs.10,000/- under Section 302 of I.P.C., and in default of payment of fine, they were directed to undergo additional imprisonment for a period of six months.

2. Case of the prosecution in a nutshell is that on 14.6.2006 at 13:00 hours, an F.I.R. was lodged by PW3 Head Constable Vinod Kumar at P.S. Kathgodam to the effect that while on 14.6.2006 at 10:30 hours, when he along with Constable Radha Krishna Joshi and Constable Pradeep Joshi was on watch and ward duty at Forest Barrier Hedakhan Chorgalia Road, they received information through an informant that three persons along with one lady were going on foot towards Hedakhan forest area. This information created a doubt in the mind of police officials. After some time, three persons were seen coming at a distance of about one and half kilometer near the forest barrier towards