MALL VARALAKSHMI Vs. STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is filed under Sections 438 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (for short "Cr.P.C") seeking pre-arrest bail to the petitioners in connection with Crime No.47 of 2020 of Women Police Station, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam District, wherein the petitioners herein i.e. A-2 to A-4 along with A-1 are alleged to have committed the offences punishable under Section 498-A, 307 r/w 34 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 (for short "IPC") and Section 3 and 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act.

(2.) The defacto complainant has given a complaint dated 26.12.2020 stating that she was married to A-1 on 15.04.2012. At the time of marriage, at the behest of accused, her parents have given dowry, gold and other articles. Out of the wedlock, she was blessed with a son by name Abhiram and during the 5th month of her son, she went to her matrimonial home. Thereafter A-1 used to come home during late nights and he also left his job. When she questioned about the same, A-1 harassed her both physically and mentally. Finally A-1 left her at her parents' house demanding to bring additional dowry to clear his debts. Later when she made phone call to her husband and in-laws to take back her, they abused her and also switched off their phones. It is stated that in the year 2018, her husband asked her to come alone to sort out the disputes, on that she went to Kancharapalem, where A-4 threatened to kill her and A-1 poured kerosene with an intention to kill her and she escaped from the place and went to her parents' house, but she did not disclose the said fact to anyone. Even after long lapse of time, as the accused did not take her back, she gave complaint to police. Basing on the said complaint, the present crime was registered.

(3.) Heard Sri M.Durga Prasad, learned counsel for the petitioners and learned Public Prosecutor for respondent-State.