BHAGIRATHIBAI RAMCHANDRA BELURKAR Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal arises out of the Judgment and order of conviction of sentence passed by the Additional Sessions Judge, Akola under Sections 498-A and 302 r/w Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code in Sessions Trial No.10 of 2001.

(2.) Deceased Rajkanya was the wife of accused No.3 Arun Ramchandra Belurkar, while the accused Nos.1 & 2 are her motherin- law and father-in-law respectively. The marriage was five years old at the time of the incident and Arun and Rajkanya had two children i. e., a son and a daughter.

(3.) It is alleged that on 30-10-2000, the accused no.3 came home in drunken state and raised the quarrel over the child Sanjay's easing inside the house. The accused no.3 in turn, started beating Rajkanya. In the result, deceased Rajkanya went to the residence of accused 1 & 2 which is just by the side of house of Rajkanya where the accused no.3 followed her. It is further alleged that the accused no.3 lifted a can containing Kerosene lying there and poured kerosene on her person, while the accused 1 & 2 had caught hold of hands and legs of Rajkanya. The accused no.3 lighted the match stick and ignited her where she caught flames and she started shouting. By that time the accused No.3 went outside and sat quietly. When the people came in response to the shouts, the accused no.3 put water on her and extinguished the fire. Accused No.2 & 3 and one Manohar took her to village Umra in a cart and then to Hospital at Akola in a Jeep from there.