KULDIP SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Kuldip Singh appellant and Ranjit Singh non-appellant (both brothers) faced trial under Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code, for causing dowry death of Bala Rani @ Navdeep Kaur wife of Kuldeep Singh and ultimately vide judgment dated 10.10.1998, the Addl. Sesisons Judge, Muktsar, while acquitting the accused Ranjit Singh, convicted Kuldip Singh appellant-accused (herein referred as 'the accused') under Section 304B I.P.C. and sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 7 years and to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000/-.

(2.) Ram Parkash-complainant (herein referred as 'the complainant') had married his daughter Bala Rani (one of his four daughters) with Kuldip Singh accused about three years prior to the incident. After six months of her marriage, the accused started raising the demand of scooter but when the complainant expressed his inability to meet the demand, she was sent back to her in laws house. One month thereafter, she was turned out of the house by the accused at the instigation of Ranjit Singh-non appellant. However, two months thereafter, the accused accompanied by Ganga Ram and Om Parkash went to the house of complainant and persuaded to send Bala Rani (deceased) with them and she was sent. However, 5-6 months prior to the occurrence, Bala Rani (deceased) again went to her father and complained that the accused was demanding Rs. 20,000/- for the purpose of cloth shop for accused Kuldip Singh. However, the complainant showed his inability as he had spent money over the marriage of his second daughter. However, the accused continued harassing her for not bringing more dowry.

(3.) On 03.03.1992, the complainant Ram Parkash alongwith his son Vinod Kumar had gone to Muktsar in connection with some private work. While passing the street, where the house of the accused was situated, they came to know that Bala Rani had committed suicide by pouring kerosene and setting herself ablaze. The complainant then lodged the report Ex.PG. Consequently, the investigation commenced. Sewa Singh, Investigating Officer, recorded the statement of Ram Parkash complainant Ex.PG and sent the same to the police station on the basis of which FIR Ex.PG/2 was recorded. He inspected the place of occurrence, prepared the inquest report and took into possession a tin of five litres capacity, which was smelling kerosene, one match box and half burnt chappal vide memo Ex.PD. He also prepared rough site plan Ex.PJ and sent the dead body of Bala Rani for post mortem examination. The accused were arrested on 07.03.1992 and on completion of investigation, report under Section 173 Cr.P.C. was submitted.