STATE OF J&K Vs. INDER RAJ AND OTHERS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The instant appeal has been filed by the State under Section 477 Cr. P.C. assailing the judgment of acquittal dated 30th October, 2003 passed by the Additional Sessions Judge, Reasi in the case arising out of FIR No.54/1997 registered at Police Station, Katra against the respondents for commission of offence under Section 302/34 RPC.

(2.) We have heard Mr. Raman Sharma, learned Deputy Advocate General and Mr. Rajnish Oswal, who has also filed his written submissions.

(3.) It appears that on 2nd May, 1997, a missing report was lodged by respondent No.1-Inder Raj with Police Station, Katra with regard to his daughter-in-law, namely, Ms. Vandana being missing. In the report it was disclosed that he had come for Darshan to Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi along with his family members on 30th April, 1997; they reached Katra in the evening and on the next date after having Darshan, they returned from Bhawan towards Katra. Enroute, near Ardh Kuwari, his daughter-in-law Smt. Vandana, who was walking slowly, did not turn up; that the rest of the family was waiting for her at Ban Ganga till evening; that when despite search she could not be traced and she had disappeared after Ardh Kuwari, a request was made by the respondent No.1-Inder Raj with the police for effecting search for her.