44 get life imprisonment for murder

Betul, MP, Mar 19 (UNI) A local court today sentenced 44 people to life imprisonment in connection with the murder of three women four years back.

According to prosecution, 46 people had vandalised houses of the Hungry Lohar family in Khateda village on December 27, 2004, and set them on fire. The accused tied the hands three women -- Chhaya, Ratna and Mamta -- and threw them in the burning house. All of them were killed.

Mr Lohar lodged a complaint with the Amla police station. One accused Ashok fled, while another Jeevantal, a minor, was presented before juvenile court.

Additional Sessions Judge Sabhapati Yadav delivered the verdict.

Two witnesses Shyam and Bali were killed on June 13, 2006, while complainant Lohar and his brother Ganesh was murdered in September 2007. The matter was sub-judice.

UNI XC-PS 1935