Early Times Report JAMMU, June 30: The Principal Sessions Court, Srinagar, has sentenced Sajad Ahmad Dar of Old Barzulla to one year's simple imprisonment in a 2020 assault case, while acquitting him of the charge of attempt to murder. Principal Sessions Judge Srinagar Haq Nawaz Zargar passed the judgment in a challan arising out of FIR No. 258/2020 registered at Police Station Saddar under Sections 307, 341 and 201 of the IPC. The prosecution case was that on October 24, 2020, following a land dispute, Shoiab Ahmad Dar was allegedly called to Bulbul Bagh, Barzulla, where he was attacked and injured. The prosecution was represented by Public Prosecutor Aijaz Ahmad, while the accused was represented by Advocate Bilal Ahmad Wani. After examining the evidence, the court held Sajad Ahmad Dar guilty under Sections 323 and 201 IPC, but acquitted him of the charges under Sections 307 and 341 IPC. The court observed that the prosecution had failed to establish the charge of attempt to murder, but the material on record proved the offences of voluntarily causing hurt and destruction of evidence. On the question of sentence, the defence sought leniency, submitting that the convict was about 59 years old, a government employee, the sole earning member of his family, and a first-time offender. The prosecution opposed the plea, arguing that violence against the human body deserved appropriate punishment. The court declined to extend the benefit of probation, observing that the nature of the offence and the facts proved on record did not justify release on probation. It sentenced Dar to simple imprisonment for one year under Section 323 IPC and nine months under Section 201 IPC. Both sentences will run concurrently. The court also imposed a fine of ?2,000, which shall be paid to the injured victim as compensation. The convict will be entitled to the benefit of set-off for the period already undergone in custody, if any, during investigation, inquiry or trial. (JNF) |