KRISHNA SINGHA Vs. THE STATE OF WEST BENGAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is directed against the judgment and order of conviction and sentence passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, 2nd Fast Track Court, Howrah in Sessions Trial No. 560 of 2005 whereby the appellant has been convicted for the offences punishable under section 498A and 304B of the Indian Penal Code (hereinafter referred to as the I.P.C) and sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for seven years and to pay fine of Rs. 1000/- in default of which to suffer simple imprisonment for two months for the offence punishable under section 304B of the I.P.C and to suffer rigorous imprisonment for three years and to pay fine of Rs. 500/- in default of which to suffer simple imprisonment for one month for the offence punishable under section 498A of the I.P.C.

(2.) Prosecution case, bereft of unnecessary details is as follows:

(3.) On 9th October, 1993 one Ram Narayan Singh lodged a written complaint at Liluah P.S stating that his daughter Rupali was given in marriage to Krishna Singha on 1st July, 1993 and at the time of her marriage he gave Rs. 15,000/- in cash, gold ornaments and other articles but within seven days of marriage the mother-in-law and husband of Rupali started torturing her for more cash. Some money was given to them but the torture upon the victim continued as their demand for Rs. 20,000/- could not be satisfied. On 29th September, 1993 the victim came to her father's house with her husband (appellant herein) who again demanded Rs. 20,000/- which the defacto complainant refused to give whereupon the appellant threatened that his daughter will not be at peace unless his demand is fulfilled. On 8th October 1993, on being informed about Rupali's illness, her mother, brother and maternal grandmother went to see her in her matrimonial home where they found her lying dead with marks on her neck. They were informed that Rupali had committed suicide.