Aditi Yadav, Symbiosis Law School, Pune
Facts:
On 18th December 2000, Devender Chopra and his son Abhishek Chopra left their factory for their house but did not reach their house. Soon after, the family got ransom calls demanding fifty lakhs. The family could not fulfil the demand but offered to pat ten lakhs instead, which was rejected by the kidnappers. The police were not informed until 14th December 2000 for the fear of the victims getting hurt. They were ultimately informed when there was no other way out. The police stationed officials outside STD booths where the accused Manmohan was telling the accused Suresh that ransom could not be reduced further than twenty-five lakhs. After further investigation, the accused, Manmohan, Suresh, Ashok and Mahesh were taken into custody. The accused gave several statements chich gave the location of the victim’s car, phone etc. It was also found that the victims were both killed and dumped in a gutter. After considering the evidence on record the trial Court convicted and sentenced the appellants for kidnapping and murder and concealing evidence in conspiracy by common intention. All the accused were sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life and other lesser sentences which were affirmed by the High Court. Raman Anand filed for compensation to the family members of deceased Devender Chopra and his son Abhishek Chopra. The same had been dismissed by the High Court without any reason. This appeal has been preferred against conviction and sentence of the appellants.
