Court awards 5 yrs RI to accused

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 19: Principal Sessions Judge Jammu, Kartar Singh has awarded five years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 10,000 to Mohd Saleem Khan, son of Shamas Din, who was involved in attempt to fudge evidence in minor’s death case.
According to the prosecution case, accused Mohd Yousaf, on March 12, 2003 called Owaise Rashid (deceased) into his house at Bathindi and committed sodomy with him. When the victim called for help, the accused strangulated him to death.
After committing the crime, the accused hatched a conspiracy with Mohd Saleem Khan and Sohan Lal in order to fudge the evidence. However, their attempts were foiled by the police which seized the dead body and arrested the accused. After completion of investigation challan was presented in the court.
On April 3, 2012 Trial Court awarded death sentence to Mohd Yousuf Shah, son of Abdul Gani Shah of Palhel and issued General Arrest Warrants against Mohd Saleem Khan. State High Court in an appeal filed by Mohd Yousuf Khan modified the death penalty into life-imprisonment.
In execution of warrants issued under Section 512 CrPC Mohd Saleem Khan was produced in the court to face trial.
After hearing both the sides, Principal Sessions Judge observed, “offence under Section 201/511 RPC has been proved against him for which lesser punishment has been provided. The accused is, therefore, sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of five years for the commission of offence falling under Section 201/511 RPC”.