Joymalya Bagchi, J. - (1.) The appeal is directed against the judgement and order dated 23.11.2000 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, 6th Court, Midnapore in Sessions Trial Case No.XXV/May/1997 convicting the appellant no.1 for commission of offence punishable under sections 498A/302/201 of the Indian Penal Code and sentencing him to suffer rigorous imprisonment for three years for the offence punishable under sections 498A of the Indian Penal Code, to suffer rigorous imprisonment for life for the offence under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and to suffer rigorous imprisonment for three years for the offence punishable under Section 201 of the Indian Penal Code and convicting the appellants no.2, 3 and 4 for the offence punishable under Section 201/34 of the Indian Penal Code and sentencing the appellants no.2 and 3 to pay a fine of Rs.5000/- each, in default to suffer rigorous imprisonment for two years each and sentencing appellant no.4 to suffer rigorous imprisonment for three years for the aforesaid offence. All the sentences to run concurrently.
(2.) At the outset this Court was informed that appellant no. 2, namely, Girish Chandra Sahu has expired. Hence, the appeal so far as it relates to appellant no. 2 is noted to have abated.
(3.) The prosecution case, as alleged, against the appellants is to the effect that the victim Kajal Rani Sahu was married to Arun Sahu, the appellant no. 1 herein, according to Hindu rites and customs. A sum of Rs.55,000/- was spent at the time of marriage. Soon after the marriage the appellants demanded further dowry and subjected the victim mental and physical torture. She was not provided proper food and clothing. In the meantime a girl child was born to the couple. In view of the future of the child the victim tolerated ill treatment.;