ANNAPURNABAI ALIAS BHOORI Vs. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Appellant-Smt. Anna-purnabai has been convicted under Ss. 498-A and 306, Indian Penal Code and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for one year and five years respectively. She has also been convicted under S. 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for six months.

(2.) Deceased-Sunita aged about 18 years married to the appellant's son Ramesh (D.W. 3) in April, 1987 committed suicide by pouring kerosene on her and setting her ablaze on 27-11-1987. She died on 19-12-1987 that is, within eight months of her marriage in the hospital. Phulchand Mishra (P.W. 1) and Rohinibai (P.W. 3) are her parents.

(3.) The prosecution case was that the appellant was demanding Jhumka, Kardhan and money for T.V. connection from the parents of Sunita. The appellant used to taunt her that she was not beautiful and used to beat her. She treated her with cruelty. Her dying declaration Ex. P-12 was recorded by Shri S. R. Dewangan, Additional Tehsildar and Executive Magistrate on 27-11-1987 at 3.25 p.m. in the Government Hospital, Raigarh. She had written letter Ex. P-1 to her father regarding the demand of dowry.