STATE OF KARNATAKA Vs. G B RAVI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The judgment and order of acquittal dated 10.4.2008, passed by the Fast Track Court-IV, Bangalore City in SC.960/2006 is in question in this appeal by the State. The respondent-accused was charged, tried and acquitted for the offences punishable under Sections 498-A and 302 of IPC.

(2.) Case of the prosecution in brief is that the deceased Selvi was the daughter of PW.5 and wife of the respondent-accused. She was working as a maid servant. He fell in love with the respondent. They developed intimacy between themselves and because of the same, she became pregnant even prior to the marriage. The marriage between the deceased and the accused was performed on 17.6.2005 and the child was born on 4.10.2005, which means that the deceased Selvi was five months' pregnant at the time of marriage. It is alleged that the accused started disputing the paternity of the child; thus, the accused poured kerosene on the deceased and set her ablaze on 20.6.2006. Ultimately, the deceased succumbed to the injuries on 27.6.2006. The police after investigation, laid the charge sheet.

(3.) In order to prove its case, prosecution in all examined 18 witnesses and got marked 14 Exhibits and 3 Material Objects. On behalf of the defence, 5 Exhibits were got marked. The Trial Court on evaluation of the material on record, acquitted the accused by giving benefit of doubt in his favour.