The court also fined the convicts -- Atul Ray, Dhonjoy, Abdus Sattar, Sumaru, Robin, Sunil, Shuresh, Ebadullah, Kala Chand and Bhupen -- Tk 10,000 each, in default to suffer two years' RI more.

According to the prosecution, the accused set fire to the house of Chowkidar Shawkat Ali, 38, at Patkamri village in Sadar upazila and stabbed him indiscriminately on August 12, 1993 over a land dispute.

He was rushed to the Sadar hospital and later shifted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital where he died on August 23.

After examining the records and witnesses, the District and Sessions Judge handed down the verdict in the crowded court.