RAKESH KUMAR Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Challenge in the instant appeal is to judgment of conviction and order of sentence dated July 30, 2012 passed by the Sessions Judge, Rupnagar, whereby appellant has been convicted under section 304B IPC, in case FIR No.61 dated May 14, 2011 registered at Police Station, Nangal and sentenced to undergo RI for 10 years alongwith fine to the tune of Rs.20,000.00, and in default of payment of fine, to further undergo RI for 3 months.

(2.) As per the prosecution story, appellant Rakesh Kumar was married to Seema daughter of Brahmi Devi on Dec. 08, 2010. There was a demand of motor cycle from the side of Rakesh Kumar. He was also alleged to have given beatings on the person of Seema in presence of her parents and two other persons. On May 14, 2011, a telephone message was received in the house of Brahmi Devi to the effect that Seema has set herself ablaze and she is admitted in BBMB Hospital, Nangal, wherefrom, she was referred to PGI, Chandigarh. When Brahmi Devi and her family were on the way to PGI, Chandigarh, they again received a telephonic message that Seema has died. FIR was registered. Appellant was arrested.

(3.) Matter being exclusively tried by the Court of Sessions, it was committed to the Sessions Court vide order dated Sept. 23, 2011. After completion of investigation, challan against the accused was presented in the court. Finding prima facie case, appellant was chargesheeted under Sections 302, 304-B, 498-A IPC, to which, he pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.