MUTHURAJARAM AND OTHERS Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The convictions and sentences dated 7.10.2008 passed in Sessions Case No.109 of 2007 by the District and Sessions Court (Mahalir Neethimandram), Coimbatore are being challenged in the present Criminal Appeal.

(2.) The case of the prosecution is that the first accused is the husband of the deceased Shanthi and their marriage has taken place in the year 2005. At the time of marriage, her parents have given a sum of Rs.25,000/- and 7 Soverigns of Gold jewels as dowry. After marriage, all the accused have joined together and compelled the deceased to get more dowry from her parents. Since the deceased has not been able to meet out the demands made by all the accused, she committed suicide on 31.1.2007/1.2.2007 in the house of the accused. After occurrence, one Srinivasan, as defacto complainant has given a complaint and the same has been registered in Crime No.5 of 2007. The complaint given by the defacto complainant has been marked as Ex.P.1.

(3.) On receipt of Ex.P.1, the Investigating Officer, viz., P.W.14 has taken up investigation and examined connected witnesses. In the meanwhile, the Revenue Divisional Officer, viz., P.W.6 has conducted inquest and his Inquest Report has been marked as Ex.P.10. The Investigating Officer has made arrangements to conduct autopsy on the body of the deceased and accordingly, P.W.4, Dr.Mallika has conducted autopsy and she found the following external and internal injuries:-