PATOLLA MAHENDER REDDY Vs. STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Criminal Appeal is filed by the appellant/A1 aggrieved by the conviction recorded by the III Additional District and Sessions Judge (FTC) at Medak, in S.C.No.30 of 2007 dtd. 25/11/2008, for the offences punishable under Sec. 304-B of Indian Penal Code, and sentenced to Rigorous Imprisonment for a period of seven years.

(2.) Briefly, the case of the prosecution is that the appellant's marriage was performed with the deceased who is the daughter of PW1 on 20/5/2005. At the time of marriage Rs.5.00 lakhs cash, 25 Tulas of gold and 100 tulas of silver and other articles were given towards dowry. It is further alleged that this appellant and his relatives A2 to A4 started harassing the deceased for additional dowry. Two months prior to her death, she was sent out of the house on the ground that additional dowry was not given. On 20/5/2006, PW1 along with other relatives went to the house of appellant and gave Rs.50,000.00 cash, however, there was a demand for additional dowry of Rs.2.00 lakhs. PW1 assured that he will pay the same after harvest of the crop and requested not to harass the deceased. On 19/6/2006, the deceased called PW9 who is her brother, over phone, and informed that the appellant and others were threatening to kill her if the balance of the demanded amount was not given. PW9 informed her that he will send PW1 with money on the next date. However, PW9 received a phone call from one Sanjeeva Reddy on 20/6/2006 informing that the deceased was in serious condition and was taken to the hospital at Jogipet. All of them rushed to the hospital and found the deceased dead in the house of the appellant.

(3.) The Police having investigated the case filed charge sheet against the appellant and three others for the offence under Sec. 304 B of the Indian Penal Code.