GURDEV SINGH Vs. STATE OF H P

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appellant, Gurdev Singh, hereinafter referred to as the accused, stands convicted by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Mandi, in Sessions Trial No. 12 of 2000 vide judgment dated 18/12/2001 for the offences under Sections 364, 302, 201 and 382, Indian Penal Code and upon such conviction he has been sentenced as under Sentence imposed. le. Rigorous imprisonment for 10 years and fine of Rs. 2,000.00. In default of payment of fine, simple imprisonment for six months. Rigorous imprisonment for life and fine of Rs. 3,000.00. In default of payment of fine, simple imprisonment for six months. le. Rigorous imprisonment for five years and fine of Rs. 1,000.00. In default of payment of fine, simple imprisonment for three months. le. Rigorous imprisonment for three years and fine of Rs. 500.00. In default of payment of fine, simple imprisonment for two months.

(2.) The matrix of the prosecution case may be stated thus. One Bhim Singh son of PW 2 Man Singh and husband of PW 1 Smt. Meena Kumari (hereinafter referred to as the deceased) was the owner-cum-driver of Taxi (Maruti Van) no. H.P. 02-1150. He had purchased the said taxi from PW 6 Gajinder Vaid. Since the whole of the sale consideration had not been paid by the deceased to PW 6, the taxi continued in the name of PW 1 in the Registration Certificate.

(3.) On 7/1/2000 the deceased had left his house with his taxi. While leaving he did not inform his wife (PW 1) about his destination. He did not return till 13/1/2000 nor any information was received regarding his whereabouts. PW 1 Smt. Meena Kumari made efforts to know regarding the whereabouts of the deceased from various relatives and friends on 13/1/2000 she came to know from one Sanju who was previously working with her husband, that the taxi belonging to the deceased was in the custody of Ludhiana Police and that the whereabouts of the deceased were not known. PW 1 Smt. Meena Kumari, accordingly lodged a report with the police about her missing husband. She also informed her father-in-law (PW 2 Man Singh) in this regard through the above named Sanju.