A court in Etah has delivered a strong verdict in a tragic dowry death case. The court sentenced a 35-year-old man to life imprisonment for setting his wife on fire six years ago. The husband demanded more dowry from his wife's family.
Court Imposes Life Sentence and Fine
Additional District and Sessions Judge Manisha pronounced the judgment on Friday. She imposed a life term on the convict, Gaurav Kumar. The court also ordered him to pay a fine of Rs 11,000. Failure to pay this fine will result in an additional six months of imprisonment.
Details of the Marriage and Dowry Demands
Shivani, aged 30, married Gaurav Kumar on February 21, 2019. He was a resident of Salempur Sani village. Her family provided a dowry that included Rs 1 lakh in cash, a motorcycle, a buffalo, and jewellery. However, Gaurav was not satisfied. He started harassing Shivani for a car and more cash.
The Fatal Incident and Victim's Death
On March 15, 2020, Gaurav set his wife on fire at their home. Shivani suffered severe burn injuries. She was first admitted to a hospital in Etah. Doctors later referred her to medical facilities in Agra and Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Despite treatment, she succumbed to her injuries on April 17, 2020.
Legal Proceedings and Court's Decision
Shivani's brother, Dilip Kumar from Mainpuri, filed a complaint. Police registered a case under IPC sections 498A for cruelty and 304B for dowry death. The Dowry Prohibition Act provisions also applied. Authorities arrested Gaurav and filed a chargesheet after investigation.
During the trial, Gaurav denied all allegations. He claimed Shivani was married against her will and died by suicide. He also stated he was not at home during the incident. Gaurav said he sustained injuries while trying to douse the fire after neighbours raised an alarm.
The court examined all evidence and heard arguments from both sides. It rejected the defence's claims. The judge convicted Gaurav of dowry death. The life imprisonment sentence underscores the severity of the crime.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of dowry-related violence in India. The court's firm stance sends a clear message against such atrocities.
