LEELA RAM AND ORS. Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) It is the case of the prosecution that the first accused Leela Ram being the husband and the second accused Sheela Devi being the mother -in -law committed cruelty in connection with their demand of dowry from Sunita Rani (deceased) and as a result of which, Sunita Rani jumped into Bhakhra canal on 24.06.2008 and committed suicide. The fact remains that both the accused were charge -sheeted not only Sec. 304 -B, IPC but also Sec. 306, IPC, though the conviction and sentence was recorded only for the offence under Sec. 304 -B, IPC. PW -1 Jagiro was the complainant who is stated to be the mother of deceased Sunita Rani. She being the mother of deceased Sunita Rani deposed supporting her version in the FIR that both the accused having not been satisfied with the dowry brought by Sunita Rani, taunted and tortured her daughter. To satisfy them, a sum of Rs. 12,000/ - was paid in the month of August 2007, thereafter a sum of Rs. 7,000/ - was paid to the accused in connection with demand of dowry. On 23.06.2008, Sunita Rani telephonically contacted PW -1 Jagiro, her mother and informed her that her life was in danger as there was a threat to eliminate her by the accused. As there was no male member at home, she could not go over the matrimonial home of her daughter. On the next day morning at about 10.30 AM, PW -1 and PW -4 were informed that Sunita Rani had jumped into the Bhakhra canal near Samana. The dead body was found from Tohana near Khanauri on 29.06.2008.

(2.) PW -2 Surjit Singh was the brother -in -law of the deceased Sunita Rani. He deposed that the deceased informed him, when he visited the matrimonial home of Sunita Rani, that she was beaten by the accused for having brought insufficient dowry. PW -3 Veero is the wife of Walaity Ram who is the brother of the father of the deceased Sunita Rani. She deposed that there was a telephone call from the deceased not only on 23.06.2008 hut also on 24.06.2008 but the call was attended by her husband. She deposed that it was a case of murder committed by the accused.

(3.) PW -4 Malook Chand father of the deceased has virtually supported the version of PW -1.