Srinagar, Nov 06 (KNS): A local court here on Saturday sentenced a main accused, involved in the killing of Ikhwani-turned-Sarpanch in Hajin area of Bandipora around 7 years ago, to three years and two months more of imprisonment, while 7 other co-accused have been set free for already serving the period of sentence (imposed on them) in jail during trial and investigation of the case.
As per details available with Kashmir News Service (KNS), the court of Principal District and Sessions Judge Bandipora announced the quantum of punishment against the accused today after convicting all the accused on November for killing the Ikhwani-turned-Sarpanch Abdul Rashid Wagey in Kathpora village of Hajin around 7 years ago.
While, announcing the quantum of punishment against the accused, Principal Sessions Judge Bandipora, Mohammad Ibrahim Wani stated that he main accused in this case, Ghulam Ahmad Parray (accused No. 3) of Kathpora has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and fine of Rs 30,000.
The court further ordered that the amount of fine be paid to the wife of the deceased victim and in default of the payment of fine, the accused shall undergo further imprisonment of 06 months.
The court also observer that the main accused is presently in custody as on date for 6 years, 10 months and 6 days. “The period of imprisonment undergone during the investigation and trial of the instant case shall stand set off against the sentence imposed and the accused be lodged in Central Jail, Srinagar for undergoing remaining period of sentence,” the court stated.
It also stated that the other accused persons, namely Shakeel Ahmad Khan (accused No. 1), Mushtaq Ahmad Khan (accused No. 2). Mohd Sultan Parray (accused No. 4), Showkat Ahmad Parray (accused No. 6). Firdous Ahmad Parray (accused No. 7), Feroz Ahmad Parray (accused No. 8) in this case have been found guilty under sections 147 and 341 RPC and have been sentenced to imprisonment of three years and one month.
The court has further ordered that the period of imprisonment undergone by the accused persons during the investigation or trial of the case shall be set off against the sentence imposed. “Since the accused have already gone under the sentence during the trail announced against them, the accused are set at liberty if they are not involved in any other case,” the court observed.
It also observed that so far as the accused No. 9, Hajira is concerned, she has been in custody for a period of one month and nineteen days, during the investigation and trial of the case.
“She has also been convicted for offence punishable u/s 147 and 341 RPC. She is a lady of more than 75 years of age. Taking into consideration the fact that she is lady and is old aged and taking a lenient view in her case, she is sentenced for offence punishable u/s 147 and 341 RPC for the period she has undergone already during the investigation or trial of the case.”
The court said that she is already on bail, therefore, she is set at liberty if not involved in any other case or cases.
Notably, the case dates back to November 2014 when the deceased Abdul Rashid Wagay, a Sarpanch accompanied by his two PSOs had gone to the shop of accused Shakeel Ahmad Khan (accused No. 1) and demanded gas cylinder from him.
On refusing to give gas cylinder, an altercation had taken place between the deceased and Shakeel Ahmad Khan. Later-on, other members family of Shakeel Ahmad Khan joined in the fight.
During the fight, the deceased was hit on his head by a bat by accused Ghulam Ahmad Parray and the victim later-on succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS Soura.
The court said that the prosecution has examined 28 witnesses in this case. After conducting full dress trial for a period of more than six years, the court has found accused No. 3 guilty in killing the deceased Abdul Rashid and other accused persons have been found involved in the rioting and unlawful restraint.
It said that the UT of J&K was represented by public prosecutor Abdul Majeed and the accused persons were represented by advocate Shuaib Ahmad Deewani. (KNS)