Bulandshahr Court Clears Man and Parents in Dowry Death Case, Points to Snakebite as Cause
In a significant ruling, a court in Bulandshahr has acquitted a 32-year-old man and his parents, who were charged with killing his 24-year-old wife over dowry demands. The court concluded that evidence proved the victim died from a snakebite, with no foul play involved.
Court Orders Compensation and Criticizes Police Investigation
The additional district and sessions judge, Shahzad Ali, delivered the verdict on Thursday, directing the Uttar Pradesh state government to pay Rs 1 lakh in compensation to each of the three acquitted individuals. This compensation is for the three years they spent in jail during the trial.
Furthermore, the court ordered the Uttar Pradesh director general of police to take disciplinary action against the investigating officer, DSP Gopal Singh, for conducting a shoddy probe that led to the wrongful prosecution.
Background of the Case and Initial Charges
The case dates back to May 2018, when Mamta Devi, who had married shopkeeper Sumit Kumar in May 2017, was found unconscious at her home about 15 days after giving birth. She was declared dead at a hospital. Following allegations of dowry harassment and murder by her family, police booked Sumit, his father Devendra, and mother Roopvati under IPC sections 498A (cruelty by husband or relatives), 304B (dowry death), and the Dowry Prohibition Act at Khurja police station.
Medical and Forensic Evidence Overturns Murder Allegations
During the trial, medical and forensic evidence presented by the defense counsel, Iqbal Ahmed Khan, indicated that Mamta Devi's death was caused by snake venom. The viscera report confirmed the presence of organochlorine insecticide in her body, which is consistent with snakebite envenomation.
The court noted that the prosecution failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt. It highlighted that no prior complaint of dowry demand or harassment had been lodged by the woman's family, undermining the murder allegations.
Court Observations on Investigation Flaws
In its detailed observations, the court recorded that it was the in-laws who immediately took Mamta Devi to a local doctor, who confirmed the snakebite. Additionally, the tehsildar's report also mentioned snakebite as the cause of death. Despite these findings, police registered a case of dowry death, overlooking the available evidence.
The court further directed the DGP and the state government to ensure the appointment of competent and skilled investigating officers in heinous crime cases to prevent such wrongful prosecutions of innocent persons in the future.
Implications for Legal and Police Reforms
This case underscores the critical need for thorough and unbiased investigations in criminal matters, particularly those involving serious allegations like dowry death. The court's decision to award compensation and call for action against the investigating officer sends a strong message about accountability in law enforcement.
It also highlights the importance of relying on scientific evidence, such as medical and forensic reports, to avoid miscarriages of justice. The acquittal serves as a reminder of the legal principle that charges must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, and any oversight can lead to severe consequences for the accused.
