Joymalya Bagchi, J. - (1.) The appeal is directed against the judgement and order dated 17th January, 2005 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track, 1st Court, Contai, Purba Medinipur in Sessions Trial No. VII/March/2004 convicting the appellants for commission of offences punishable under Sections 302/498A of the Indian Penal Code and sentencing them to suffer rigorous imprisonment for life and to pay fine of Rs.5,000/- each, in default, to suffer further rigorous imprisonment for one year for the offence punishable under Section 302 IPC and to suffer rigorous imprisonment for three years and to pay fine of Rs.3,000/- each, in default, to suffer further rigorous imprisonment for one year for the offence punishable under Section 498A IPC; both the sentences to run concurrently.
(2.) The prosecution case as alleged against the appellants is to the effect that the appellant no.1, Sukumar Sahoo was married to the victim, Krishna Sahoo on 23rd November, 2001 according to Hindu rites and customs. At the time of marriage various articles including cash were given as dowry. After the marriage the victim started residing at her matrimonial home with the appellants being her husband, maternal uncle-in-law and mother-in-law. The victim was subjected to cruelty including physical assault by the appellants on demands of dowry.
(3.) Appellants demanded money for the beetel leaf business of her husband. Unable to bear such torture the victim took refuge at her parental home.;