MUKAND SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appellant was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 7 years along with fine of Rs.1,000/- for commission of offences punishable under Sections 363, 366, 376 IPC. In default of payment of fine, he was to further undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 6 months and the sentence on each count was to run concurrently.

(2.) Though the appellant has not contested the judgment on merits but it is necessary to give few facts. The complainant's daughter was 15 years old. In the intervening night of 2-3.12.2002, she was enticed and was taken away by the appellant. The prosecutrix remained with the appellant from 02.12.2002 up to 12.01.2003 and they had been roaming to different places. The victim was a student of 9th Class. She was found missing from the house at about 5:00 AM by her brother's wife. The family searched in the neighbourhood but failed to find her. Their neighbour Ghogi son of Parkash was also missing since morning, therefore, the family suspected the accused to have kidnapped the daughter. The appellant was arrested along with the victim on 12.01.2003 and the medical was got done.

(3.) After the completion of investigation, challan was presented and charge was framed. The prosecution examined nine witnesses.