PUNE, February 23: A sessions court today sentenced to death two accused in the sensational Rathi multiple murder case but let off another one who had turned approver.The verdict was delivered in a packed courtroom by additional session judge, M N Pathale who awarded capital punishment to Narayan Chetnaram alias Lukha Chaudhari and Jitendra Singh Nain Singh alias Jitu Gehlot.
Rajsingh Ramlal Rajpurohit, who turned approver, was however released as the prosecution's case was based on his evidence.
In the incident that sent shock waves across the city, seven members of Rathi family, including two infants, a nine-month pregnant woman and a maid servant, were murdered by the trio in broad daylight at Himanshu apartments of Sheela Vihar colony in Kothrud area on August 26, 1994. The deceased belonged to the family of sweet-mart owner Kesrimal Rathi.
Judge Pathale, in his 576-page judgement, found the accused guilty under Sections 302 (murder), 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 391 (robbery), 449 (trespassing)and Sections 342-43 (confinement) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Ujjwal Nikam appeared for the prosecution while advocates I S Gill and B I Shelar defended the duo accused in the murder case.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
