SANGEETA SHANKARRAO ZADE Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appellant was convicted by the Additional Sessions Judge, Amravati for having committed offence punishable under Section 302 of Indian Penal Code. She was sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life.

(2.) The facts which give rise to this appeal are thus :

(3.) On 13-10-2000 Kalpana, one lady and wife of Sukhlal were watching T.V. in the house. Her father-in-law and her husband had gone to bed. At about 11.30 p.m. Kalpana came out of the house in order to pass urine. It is alleged that at that time accused-Sangeeta came from behind, poured kerosene on the person of Kalpana and set her on fire with a match stick. Kalpana shouted. Her husband and the 2 ladies in the house came, the father-in-law also came. They extinguished the fire. Kalpana was brought to the police station and was later on taken to Civil Hospital at Amravati. Her statement was recorded by Police Officer as well as a Magistrate. Upon this statement offence came to be registered. Kalpana subsequently died of the injuries sustained by her. Offence was converted to Section 302, Indian Penal Code. Police went to place of the incident and had seized burnt pieces of clothes, vessel containing kerosene and match stick and few other clothes. After completion of the investigation charge-sheet was filed.