A court in the district has sentenced Tunesh Ji, also known as Tunesh Uraon, to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹20,000 for murder. The ruling was delivered by Principal District and Sessions Judge Naleen Kumar on Saturday.
The case dates back to 22nd December 2008, when a first information report (FIR) was filed at the Bhandariya police station by Chandra Dev Yadav, a resident of Tehri. According to the allegations, on the night of 21st December 2008, militant members of the Bhakpa organisation abducted Asharfi Yadav, Vishnu Panika, and Ramesh Panika near Ramesh Panik's home in Barkol village. They reportedly assaulted the trio before attempting to take them to Bolir Road, Deepa Toli. During the altercation, Ramesh Panik and Vishnu Panik were released after being beaten, but Asharfi Yadav was shot and killed, with the assailants fleeing the scene and leaving his body behind.
The motive for the murder was linked to Asharfi Yadav allegedly absconding with ₹3 lakh and a weapon belonging to the militant group, prompting retaliatory action from the Bhakpa organisation and its affiliates. Following the incident, an FIR was lodged naming several members of the Naxalite group, including Vinay Ji, Barsa Ji, Jagdish Ji, Ritesh Ji, Indrajit Ji, Vishwanath Ji, Keshwar Ji, Dunesh Ji, Dilip Saw, and approximately 30-35 others.
The Bhandariya police conducted an investigation and submitted a charge sheet, which included supplementary charges against Dunesh Ji. The court then framed charges against him and heard evidence from various witnesses. Ultimately, he was found guilty under Section 302 in conjunction with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code. Alongside the life sentence, the court stipulated an additional year of imprisonment should the fine remain unpaid. The prosecution was spearheaded by Additional Public Prosecutor Jagdev Sahu, while Advocate Ashok Pandey represented the defence.