Chapter 67

Violent Crime

An act that is done with force (sahasā) is declared to be a violent crime (sāhasa). // K_795 //

Theft with accomplices and forcible seizure are also violent crime; theft is said to be (taking by) denial. // K_796 //

An act which is committed without any tell-tale signs, known as violent crime, should be cleared by oaths; this is the rule in all such disputes. // K_797 //

If many men, in a rage, attack and kill one man, he among them who strikes a vital spot is remembered as the killer. // K_798 //

The one who commits the killing shall receive a torturous death. One may kill without hesitation an aggressor who comes with the intent to destroy. // K_799 //

There is no fault in the killer of wicked men who are advancing (to attack). But if they have desisted from their attempt, their capture is prescribed, not their death. // K_800 //

In the case of a felonious aggressor (ātatāyin) who is superior in austerity, Vedic study, and birth, there should be no killing. But if the aggressor is a sinner of lower status, he may be killed, says Bhṛgu. // K_801 //

One with a raised sword, poison, or fire, and one with a drawn bow in hand; one who kills by sorcery, and an informer to the king; // K_802 //

one who violates another's wife, and one who is intent on finding a weakness—one should know these and the like to be all felonious aggressors (ātatāyins). // K_803 //

The wise call those sinners who destroy one's reputation and livelihood, and those who destroy one's righteousness and wealth, (aggressors). He who, without prior accusation, engages in an offense, and in the seizure of life and property, one should know him as a felonious aggressor (ātatāyin). // K_804 //

There is no fault in the killer for the killing of clawed, horned, and fanged animals that are aggressors, and likewise of elephants, horses, and others. // K_805 //

For causing an abortion, for being a thief, for striking a Brahmin woman with a weapon, and for killing a faultless woman, even a Brahmin is to be killed. // K_806 //

The man who damages, breaks, or crushes another's property shall incur the first amercement; the owner is said to be entitled to the property. // K_807 //

If one steals, breaks, or burns an image of the gods, and if one breaks its temple, he shall incur the first amercement. // K_808 //

He who breaks down a wall, or causes it to fall, or demolishes it, or blocks a watercourse, shall incur the first amercement. // K_809 //