Hisar Court Awards Life Imprisonment in Ex-Wife Murder Case
A court in Hisar, Haryana, has delivered a stern verdict in a harrowing domestic violence case, sentencing a man to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his divorced wife. The convict, identified as Dharambir alias Gholu, a resident of Matrishyam village, was found guilty of stabbing his ex-wife, Sarita, to death after she remarried, marking a tragic end to a personal dispute that escalated into fatal violence.
Details of the Crime and Court Proceedings
The case dates back to May 19, 2024, when a complaint was filed at the Sadar police station by Anoop, Sarita's second husband. According to the complaint, Anoop, a labourer, had married Sarita, originally from Chhoti Satrod village, on May 6, 2024. Sarita had previously been married to Dharambir and had a one-and-a-half-year-old daughter from that marriage, who was living with Sarita's parents following their divorce.
On the day of the incident, Anoop was working at a local residence in the same village when he received a distressing message from a co-worker around 12:30 pm. He was informed that Dharambir had attacked Sarita with a knife. Rushing home, Anoop discovered his wife lying dead in the courtyard near the stove, bearing multiple stab wounds and surrounded by bloodstains, a scene that painted a grim picture of the violence that had unfolded.
Eyewitness Account and Police Investigation
Saraswati, Anoop's mother, provided a chilling eyewitness account to the police. She reported that she was resting in her room when Sarita ran into the courtyard, screaming for help. Dharambir allegedly chased her with a knife and stabbed her repeatedly in a frenzied attack. When Saraswati attempted to intervene and stop the assault, the accused threatened her, forcing her to flee and seek assistance from neighbours. Upon returning, she witnessed Dharambir leaving the house, carrying a blood-stained knife, which added to the evidence against him.
The police promptly registered a case under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to murder, and conducted a thorough investigation. The probe relied heavily on eyewitness testimony, including statements from Saraswati and other villagers, as well as forensic evidence collected from the crime scene. This comprehensive investigation played a crucial role in building a strong case against the accused.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
After nearly a year and a half of legal proceedings, Additional Sessions Judge Nishant Sharma presided over the case and delivered the verdict. The court held Dharambir guilty based on the compelling evidence presented, including the eyewitness accounts and the circumstances surrounding the crime. In addition to sentencing him to life imprisonment, the judge imposed a fine of ₹20,000 on the convict, underscoring the severity of the offense.
This verdict highlights the judiciary's commitment to addressing crimes of domestic violence and ensuring justice for victims, particularly in cases involving post-divorce conflicts. The life imprisonment term serves as a deterrent against such brutal acts and reaffirms the legal system's stance on protecting individuals from gender-based violence.
The case has drawn attention to the broader issues of domestic disputes and the need for societal awareness to prevent such tragedies. It also underscores the importance of swift police action and robust legal processes in delivering justice, as seen in the timely registration of the case and the court's decisive ruling.
