STATE OF H P Vs. SHASHI BHUSHAN MANKOTIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) State has come in appeal against the judgment dated 20.4.2010 rendered by the Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court, Kangra at Dharmashala in Sessions Trial No. 16/2010 whereby the respondent-accused (hereinafter referred to as the "accused"), who was charged with and tried for offences punishable under sections 306 and 498-A of the Indian Penal Code, has been acquitted.

(2.) Case of the prosecution, in a nutshell, is that one Reema sister of Sanjay Guleria was married to accused in the year 2003. Initially, accused and Reema resided at village Lahru, but subsequently, shifted to rented accommodation at Narwana. After one year of marriage, accused started picking up quarrels with Reema under the influence of liquor. Accused continued torturing Reema physically as well as mentally. On 18.11.2008 at about 5.30 A.M., Sanjay received telephonic information from the accused that Reema has become unconscious. When he went to the house of accused, Reema was found dead. Accused told him that there was a fight between him and Reema at about 11.30 P.M. Thereafter, accused found that Reema has committed suicide by hanging herself. The report was lodged. Post-mortem was conducted. Medical examination of accused was also got conducted and his blood sample was also taken. The police investigated the case and the challan was put up in the Court after completing all the codal formalities.

(3.) Prosecution examined as many as 13 witnesses in all to prove its case against the accused. Statement of accused under Section 313 Cr.P.C. was recorded. He pleaded his innocence. Accused was acquitted by the trial court vide judgment dated 24.4.2010. Hence, the present appeal.