KRISHAN KUMAR Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) KRISHAN Kumar (23) of Satroad Khas, District Hisar, married Rani Devi (20) daughter of Sant Lal (PW-11) of Khanori, District Sangrur on May 23, 1993. The couple had a baby daughter named Mamta born on August 7, 1994. On February 15, 1995 Rani died of poisoning at Satroad. Krishan Kumar along with his parents Bhajan Lal and Satto and brothers Shyama alias Sham Lal, Daya Nand and Daya Nand's wife Seema were tried before the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Hisar for offences under Sections 304-B and 498-A of the Indian Penal Code and vide judgment dated April 2, 1997 the learned Trial Judge recorded conviction against Krishan Kumar, Bhajan Lal, Sham Lal alias Shyama and Satto under Section 304-B of the Indian Penal Code. The first two accused were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for life and to pay fine of Rs. 2,000/-, in default of payment of fine to further to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment for one year. The other two were sentenced undergo rigorous imprisonment for 10 years and to pay fine of Rs. 1,000/-, in default of payment to further undergo rigorous imprisonment for six months. Daya Nand and Seema were acquitted.

(2.) THE prosecution case is that Krishan and Rani Devi were married on May 23, 1993. Rani Devi's father Sant Lal (P-11) had given sufficient dowry to his daughter in accordance with his status but Krishan and his parents were not satisfied with the dowry. Whenever Rani Devi visited her parents she would complain that she was subjected to harassment by Krishan, his mother Satto and brothers Shyama and Daya Nand and latter's wife Seema for not bringing sufficient dowry. Krishan visited his father-in-law and demanded Rs. 50,000/- saying that he had passed 10+2 and needed money for getting a job. Sant Lal showed his inability to pay the amount as he had spent enough money on the marriage. Thereupon Krishan threatened to leave Rani Devi if money was not paid. Sant Lal also filed complaints on September 29, 1994 to senior officers to complain against Krishan's demand.

(3.) ON February 16, 1994 Ishwar Singh informed Sant Lal that Rani Devi had been killed whereupon Sant Lal and his family members reached Satroad and found Rani Devi lying dead. The matter was reported by Sant Lal to the police at 12.15 p.m. on February 16, 1995. Sant Lal's statement was recorded by ASI Hari Chand (PW-13) and case was registered at Police Station Sadar Hisar at 1.05 p.m.