DAULAT SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal is directed against the judgment dated 10.6.1996 passed by Sessions Judge, Ferozepur, acquitting the accused Lajwanti and convicting Daulat Singh under Section 304-B and sentencing him to undergo RI for 7 years and pay a fine of Rs. 2000/- and in default of payment of fine to further undergo RI for 6 months.

(2.) BRIEFLY stated the allegations as unfolded by the prosecution are that Karnail Singh had two sons and two daughters. His younger daughter Krishana Bai was married with Daulat' Singh accused (who had already a living spouse) about 7/8 months prior to the occurrence. About 1-1/2 months prior to the incident, the accused alongwith Krishana Bai had come to see her parents where she informed her mother Reshma Bai that the accused was not happy with the articles of dowry given in marriage and they were demanding scooter. In turn, Reshma Bai and her husband Karnail Singh regretted their inability before Daulat Singh to meet their demand. After Krishana Bai and Daulat Singh returned to their village Rukna Kasam Ke, the accused continued placing the said demand. Thereafter, Krishana Bai again went to her parental house and informed her parents. Consequently complainant Karnail Singh again visited Daulat Singh and repeated request but he failed to prevail upon him rather Daulat Singh threatened that unless the demand is fulfilled, he would divorce Krishana Bai. At this Karnail Singh agreed to satisfy the demand on arrival of the paddy crop.

(3.) ON 11.10.1993 at about 4 PM, when brother of complainant had gone to enquire about well being of Krishana Bai, he came back and informed the complainant that the accused had administered poison to Krishana Bai as a result of which she had died. Consequently, complainant alongwith Mehar Singh, Ex-Sarpanch of Ladhuka and one Kundan Singh went to village Rukna Kasan Ke and saw the dead body of Krishana Bai lying in the court yard of the house of accused. Eventually, they left for the police station to lodge a report.