DEVI LAL v. STATE OF RAJASTHAN INSC 1843

On the evening of 7th February 1999, Dharam Chand, a resident of Binota village, went missing after reportedly heading to Bhagwanpura on his motorcycle. His concerned cousin Vijay Singh, upon being informed by Dharam Chand’s daughter, filed a formal report at Nimbahera Police Station the next day. An ensuing search effort by Vijay Singh and local residents led them to discover Dharam Chand’s motorcycle near his brother’s godown, but Dharam Chand himself remained unaccounted for. Subsequent investigations unveiled troubling details: Babu Lal, one of the accused, had rented a jeep on the same day Dharam Chand disappeared, ostensibly transporting a drum filled with wheat that mysteriously vanished. This raised suspicions, especially given a prior financial dispute between Babu Lal and Dharam Chand. The case took a grim turn when a foul smell emanating from a dry well prompted a closer inspection, revealing Dharam Chand's lifeless body. Based on the evidence and testimonies presented, Babu Lal and Devi Lal were found guilty of murder under Section 302 and conspiracy under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code. Consequently, they were sentenced to life imprisonment for their role in the heinous crime.