JANARDHAN BARKU SOLANKE Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This criminal appeal, under Section 374 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, challenges judgment and order dated 26.11.2014, delivered by learned Additional Sessions Judge, Khamgaon, convicting appellant/husband Janardhan Barku Solanke under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for committing murder of his wife by setting her ablaze on 13.3.2012. Victim Ratnabai expired on 18.3.2012.

(2.) We have heard learned counsel Shri D.V. Chauhan appointed for the appellant and learned Additional Public Prosecutor Shri R.S. Nayak for the respondent/State.

(3.) Briefly stated case of the prosecution is, the appellantaccused is drunkard and beggar who used to illtreat his wife Ratnabai for extracting money to consume liquor. On 13.3.2012, both of them went to Asalgaon Bazar and returned back at about 5:30 p.m.. The appellantaccused then demanded money and Ratnabai paid him Rs.50/, which he spent on liquor. She refused to give him more money. The appellantaccused quarreled with her, poured kerosene on her person, and set her on fire. The couple had two sons viz. Rajesh and Vijay and a married daughter Bali who then resided at Nasik. At the time of incident, PW5 son Vijay was present in the house.