SHYAMAL PYNE Vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal being C. R. A. No. 437 of 2003 has been directed against the conviction and sentence under sections 498A IPC and 304B IPC passed by the learned Sessions Judge, Howrah in connection with Sessions Trial Case No. viii(l) of 1994.

(2.) This case relates to an unfortunate death of a young lady in her early twenties. What is more shocking is the fact that she died within three months of her marriage. The marriage of the young lady called Swapna Naha with the appellant Shymal Pyne was solemnised on 26th June, 1990. It was the marriage by registration. The prosecution side came up with the allegation that almost from the inception of her marriage, the appellant and her mother went on demanding Rs. 50,000/- by way of dowry from her relation. An amount of Rs. 30.000/- had to be paid in three instalments to please the appellant and her mother. Dissatisfied with the amount of dowry paid to them, they egged on her to bring the additional amount of 20,000/- in the form of dowry. She had to withstand to physical torture in their hands as well. The young lady was even threatened with dire consequences. The tragic end of her life came on 20/06/ 1990 when she was strangulated well inside her matrimonial house.

(3.) With her father Ajit Ranjan Naha lodging an FIR relating to the incident of dowry death, Golabari P.S. Case No. 365 dated 26/9/90 was registered. S.I., Ranjit Kr. Khan was entrusted with the task of holding the investigation. At the very outset, the Investigating Officer held the inquest over the deadbody and prepared a report. Therefore, the body was sent to the morgue for postmortem examination.