Mathura Court Sentences Man to Life for Dowry Murder
A court in Mathura has delivered a life imprisonment sentence to a 35-year-old daily wager for the brutal murder of his wife. The crime occurred on March 17, 2020, and involved a dowry demand of Rs 2 lakh.
Details of the Gruesome Crime
The convicted man, Subhash Kumar, killed his 25-year-old wife Pooja by hitting her on the head with a stone. He then strangled her with a handkerchief. The couple had been married for six years at the time of the incident.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Pallavi Agarwal presided over the case. In her verdict, she emphasized the severity of the crime. She stated that this was not a simple murder but an act of extreme cruelty and betrayal.
The judge noted that the young woman endured sustained mental and physical harassment for dowry soon after her marriage. This context made the killing particularly heinous.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The case began with a complaint filed by the victim's father, Anil Kumar. He resides in Premnagar Dangheta village. Anil Kumar reported that his daughter faced continuous abuse from her husband and his family over dowry demands.
Authorities registered an FIR under multiple sections. These included IPC sections 498-A for cruelty by husband or relatives and 304-B for dowry death. Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act also applied.
Subhash Kumar was arrested promptly and remained in custody throughout the trial. Other family members faced charges as well. His mother, younger brother, elder brother, and sister-in-law were initially named in the case.
Court's Final Decision
On Monday, the court announced its verdict after hearing arguments from both sides. It convicted Subhash Kumar and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 24,000 on him.
However, the four other family members were acquitted. The court found insufficient evidence to convict them. Additional District Government Counsel Avnish Upadhyay confirmed these details on Tuesday.
This case highlights the persistent issue of dowry-related violence in India. It shows the legal system taking a strong stance against such crimes. The life sentence sends a clear message about the consequences of dowry harassment and murder.
