Ahmedabad: Radio jockey (RJ) Krunal Desai, who was accused of abetting his wife's suicide in January 2016, was acquitted by a sessions court on Wednesday. Tried on charges under Sections 306 and 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Desai received the benefit of doubt after the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Court's Decision
Additional Sessions Judge S C Makwana of the Ahmedabad rural court stated in his order: "When the prosecution has failed to establish charges against the accused, and cannot prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, it is proper to grant the benefit of doubt to the accused."
Prosecution's Allegations
According to the prosecution, Desai and his parents allegedly harassed and pressured his wife, Bhumi, for dowry, which purportedly led her to commit suicide within just two months of their marriage. Before taking her own life, Bhumi sent an SMS to her friend Mitesh Soni, indicating her intention to jump from a 10-storey building.
Following the incident, Bhumi's mother, Kavita Panchal, lodged a complaint against Desai and his parents. Desai was arrested and spent 10 months in prison before being granted regular bail.
Legal Proceedings
Defence lawyer Sanjay Thakkar noted: "During the pendency of the case, Desai's father passed away, and the case against him was abated. The Gujarat High Court stayed the criminal proceedings against Desai's mother in 2017 in response to a quashing petition."
The trial court clarified that the proceedings against the mother would be subject to the final outcome of the quashing petition. The trial proceeded against Desai alone, and the court acquitted him by granting the benefit of doubt.
This acquittal brings closure to a case that had been ongoing for over eight years, highlighting the importance of evidence in criminal trials.
