In Brief
The appellants were convicted by the trial court for culpable homicide (Section 304 Part II) in connection with the death of Som Raj, who was beaten by five accused persons including the appellant Ramji, an SPO. The High Court altered the conviction to murder (Section 302) and imposed life imprisonment. The appellant challenged this, arguing he was unarmed and the victim had already sustained severe injuries from other accused. The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's conviction, finding that the eyewitness testimony and medical evidence clearly established that the appellant's violent assault at the bus stop, including repeated kicks and neck compression, was part of a prolonged merciless attack. The Court held the appellant's participation in this final stage, coupled with his knowledge that such injuries would cause death, justified conviction for murder.
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