HC upholds conviction of 23 people in murder case

The Bombay High Court today upheld the life sentences awarded to 23 people for murdering three persons in Roha in neighbouring Raigad district in 2004 on account of political rivalry.
The division bench, headed by acting Chief Justice V K Tahilramani, dismissed their appeals challenging a 2005 order of the sessions court, noting that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Three of the convicts are in jail while the others are out on bail. The High Court today cancelled their bail bonds and directed them to surrender before a court in Alibag.
Additional public prosecutor Hitendra Dedhia said the court accepted the prosecution's case that the convicts had attacked Shadeo Navashe, Shivram Omale and Umaji Omale with sharp weapons in 2004.

The accused, who were with NCP, held a grudge against the victims who had left the party to join the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP).
The prosecution had examined 12 witnesses during the trial.