K.N. Phaneendra, J. - (1.) HEARD learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Additional State Public Prosecutor for respondent - State. Perused the records.
(2.) THE allegation against the petitioner is that the petitioner married the deceased by name Deepa alias Neelavva of Muttalli Village Shiggaon Taluk Haveri District. Their marriage took place about four years eight months prior to the incident. It is alleged by the deceased herself while filing a complaint on 08.12.2011 that on particular date that was on 06.12.2012, the petitioner and herself came to Muttalli village at about 8.00 p.m. The mother of the deceased Ratnavva was also came to the said village. On 07.12.2012, the mother of the deceased -complainant went back, to her village. On the said night, the petitioner and his family members assaulted the deceased Deepa for not having brought the cash amount and also gold ornaments. In this context, it is alleged the other accused persons have caught hold the deceased and this petitioner poured kerosene on her and lit fire and having sustained severe injuries, she was admitted to the hospital by the petitioner and later she succumbed to the injuries in the hospital on 13.12.2012 after four days of the incident. During the course of investigation, it is seen that she has also given dying declaration before the competent authority in which she has reiterated that the accused persons have poured kerosene and lit fire on her. Some of the prosecution witnesses CWs. 7 to 12 have also stated they are the neighbours of the petitioner, they saw the deceased who was on fire and she disclosed that the accused persons including this petitioner have poured kerosene and lit fire on her.
(3.) THE postmortem report also supports the case of the prosecution that she died of the burn injuries. The complaint also discloses that even prior to the death of the said lady and prior to the incident, the accused persons have been ill -treated and harassed the deceased in demand of the cash amount and also for the gold ornaments.;