Early Times Report
JAMMU, Jan 24: In a verdict delivered by Additional Sessions Judge Rajouri, Romesh Kumar, son of Tara Chand, has been sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with a murder over a land dispute. The court acquitted the accused's brother Ram Lal, Ram Lal's wife Kunti Devi, and close relative Tara Chand along with his wife Pushpa Devi from the charges.
The incident dates back to July 19, 2016, at 12:45 AM when information reached the police station about an ongoing enmity between Jia Lal and Tara Chand regarding land. On the previous night at 11:30 PM, Jia Lal, along with family members, was ploughing their land when Tara Chand, accompanied by other accused, entered the land with the intention of committing murder. They attacked Jia Lal and his family members with lathis, dandas, and stones, causing grievous injuries. Jia Lal succumbed to the injuries and died on the spot.
FIR No. 46/2016 was registered, and the investigation commenced at the police station Sunderbani.
After hearing both sides, Additional Sessions Judge Rajouri, Mehmood Choudhary, observed that the accused, Romesh Kumar, is a first-time offender and a teacher by profession. Considering his family's financial means, the court decided against the death penalty, stating that it would have severe consequences for the whole family. The judge found no extraordinary aggravating circumstance that would warrant the death penalty.
The court acquitted the brother of the deceased, Ram Lal, Ram Lal's wife Kunti Devi, and close relative Tara Chand and his wife Pushpa Devi. Romesh Kumar was found guilty of the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a fine of Rs. 50,000. The judge took a holistic view of the circumstances and determined that life imprisonment is the appropriate punishment in this case. |
