Why Did Seven Members of a Rajasthan Family Receive Life Sentences in the 2014 Bhanwarnath Murder Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Seven family members sentenced to life imprisonment.
- Murder linked to a land dispute.
- Conviction based on strong evidence presented during the trial.
- The case highlights the serious nature of violent familial conflicts.
- Verdict brings closure after 11 years of legal proceedings.
Jaipur, Nov 18 (NationPress) In a significant ruling, a Rajasthan court has handed down life sentences to seven members of a single family involved in the 2014 Bhanwarnath murder case from Bamblu village. The Additional District and Sessions Judge also ordered each convict to pay a fine of ₹22,000, with a default penalty of an additional six months of imprisonment if not settled, according to the ruling issued on Monday.
The incident dates back to May 27, 2014, when Annanath, a resident of Jamsar, reported that his brother, Bhanwarnath, was assaulted while en route to visit their uncle.
As per the FIR, the defendants—Mohannath, Hemnath, Dhannanath, Shankarnath, Badhu Devi, Sita, and Saroj—blocked Bhanwarnath's path using a pickup truck and attacked him. The altercation resulted in the vehicle crashing into a wall before the assailants fled the scene. Bhanwarnath was promptly taken to PBM Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The police submitted their charge sheet in August 2014, bolstered by blood-stained clothing, a stick, medical records, the FSL report, and sealed evidence, all corroborating the prosecution's case.
The court noted that the attack was premeditated and carried out by a gang with the clear intention of causing death.
All seven defendants were found guilty under Sections 302 and 149 of the IPC, receiving an additional year of rigorous imprisonment under Section 147.
Investigations revealed that the murder arose from a land dispute; Bhanwarnath had acquired a plot from Durganath, which the accused family also claimed ownership of. The escalating conflict ultimately led to a violent confrontation.
The post-mortem examination uncovered 30 to 40 injuries on the deceased.
The convicted individuals include three brothers—Mohannath, Hemnath, and Dhannanath—along with Hemnath's son Shankarnath, daughter-in-law Badhu Devi, and daughter Saroj.
Additional Public Prosecutor Basant Kumar Mohta presented 14 witnesses and 34 documents, which the court found credible in proving the defendants' guilt.
Advocate O.P. Harsh represented the plaintiff. This verdict concludes an 11-year-long saga of hearings, providing closure to a drawn-out case.