JAMMU: Principal Sessions Judge Kathua Vinod Chatterji Koul on Friday awarded 31 years rigorous imprisonment (RI) to Mohammad Mushtaq and Romesh Singh who are facing trial for the last nine years for dacoity in temple.
According to the police case that on 26th June, 2005, Dharam Chand, Priest of Mata Jourain, accompanied by Subash Chander made a verbal report with the police of Police Station, Basohli, that Temple and its treasure is at his residence situated at village Banjal Mohra Dhanni have been stolen at gun point on 25th June, 2005 at about 8:30 PM.
The accused forcibly took away cash of Rs. 1,33,000 and also golden ornaments i.e. 2 gold nose rings, one gold Trishul (Trident), one golden ring, one gold Balu and other gold nose rings contained in a box, which were offered by the pilgrims to the Mata.
Accused thereafter abducted him and his son along with arms and ammunition and after taking them up to 2-3 kms set them free with warning of dire consequences, in case they informed the incident to anyone. The investigation was conducted in the case and on investigation, it was found that accused had committed offences punishable under section 392/364/458/170/34 RPC and 3/27 Arms Act and accordingly, the Challan for the aforesaid offences was presented.
Principal Sessions Judge Kathua Vinod Chatterji Koul after hearing Public Prosecutor BB Sharma for the state whereas Advocates Ganga Ram Sharma and Dharmesh Sharma for the accused persons, observed that prosecution has established/proved the charges against the accused Mohd Mushtaq and Romesh Singh beyond any reasonable doubt and awarded the sentence. Court observed that what the accused have done is that they have committed the crime in question in a planned manner and have taken away the cash and ornaments of the temple. All the sentences, however, shall run concurrently. JNF
