44.
The mode and manner, in which the dying declarations came to be
recorded, is also something which creates a doubt, as regards its
truthfulness and trustworthiness. Although, the Investigating Officer says
that the recording of the dying declarations was video-graphed and the CD
has been exhibited in evidence yet it is very important to determine the
evidentiary value of the same.
45.
We should also look into the genesis of the occurrence from a
different angle. It is not in dispute that the three deceased died on account
of severe burn injuries. It is also not in dispute that the room in which they
were sleeping caught fire on account of which they suffered severe burn
injuries. It is also not in dispute that inflammable substance like kerosene
was found from the room which ignited the fire. However, the moot
question is who set the room on fire? Could it be said that the prosecution
has been able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that it was only and only
the appellant-convict who set the room on fire by pouring the inflammable
substance?
46.
It appears to us that whoever did the act, the inflammable substance
was not directly poured or sprinkled on the three deceased persons. Had it
been so, they would have immediately woken up and by the time, the room
is sat on fire, they would make good their escape or catch hold of the culprit.
It appears that the inflammable substance might have been poured on the
floor of the room and thereafter, the fire must have been ignited. Once, the
room is on fire, the person responsible for setting the room on fire would
immediately leave that place. We find it very difficult to believe that the
appellant-convict was still inside the room or even outside the room to be
witnessed by the deceased persons as well as by the PW-2 and PW-4,
locking the room from outside after setting the room on fire. The conduct
23
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