Ramgopal Patel v. State of Chhattisgarh
Case brief
What is this about?
Chhattisgarh HC common judgment (13.06.2025) allowing CRA 648/2019 (Ramgopal Patel) and CRA 691/2019 (Rajesh Yadav) against 302/34, 201/34, 120-B IPC convictions for the November 2017 death of 14-year-old Rupesh Kumar Patel, prosecuted as a blood-offering to exorcise an evil spirit. Homicidal nature of death affirmed, but circumstantial chain held incomplete: hostile witnesses, door operable from outside, unexamined child witnesses, sickle allegedly traced by sniffer dog from open garbage heap, FSL report unexhibited with no blood on sickle. Panchsheel test of Sharad Birdhichand Sharda ((1984) 4 SCC 116) applied; s.106 Evidence Act burden-shift rejected per Nusrat Parween (2024 INSC 955); no conspiracy found. Acquittal; release of Ramgopal Patel; Rajesh Yadav's bail bonds continued six months under s.481 BNSS, 2023.
What did the court decide?
Both appeals allowed; impugned judgment set aside; accused-appellants acquitted of all charges; Ramgopal Patel (in jail) directed to be set free forthwith if not required in any other case; bail bonds of Rajesh Yadav (on bail) to remain in force for six months in view of Section 481 of BNSS, 2023.