Dowry death: Three of family get 10 yrs’ jail

Rajneesh Lakhanpal

Our Legal Correspondent

Ludhiana December 18

The court of Additional Sessions Judge Virinder Aggarwal has convicted Sandeep Kumar, his parents Vijay Kumar and Mamta Rani of New Basant Vihar, Basti Jodhewal, in a dowry death case.

They were facing accusations of causing death of five-month pregnant Mamta Sharma from Amritsar. The woman died due to strangulation. They were ordered to undergo rigorous imprisonment for 10 years each. Apart from this, the court also imposed a fine of Rs1.65 lakh on the accused. Out of the fine amount, Rs1 lakh would be paid to the victim’s family as compensation. Delivering the verdict, the court held that the prosecution has successfully proved the charges levelled against the accused. A case against the accused was registered under Section 304 -B of the IPC on July 13, 2014, at Basti Jodhewal police station, following the statement of Rajiv Sharma, brother of the victim. The complainant had alleged that his sister was being harassed on account of bringing less dowry. A demand of Rs5 lakh was raised by the accused. He could pay only Rs50,000 and lost his youngest sister, the complainant said. The accused, however, pleaded innocence and claimed false implication. But after appreciating the evidence the court found them guilty.