Shivamogga Court Imposes Three-Year Sentence on Family for Harassment Leading to Suicide
In a significant ruling from Shivamogga, a local court has delivered justice by sentencing five members of a family to three years of rigorous imprisonment. The conviction stems from their role in physically and mentally harassing a woman, Prema, which tragically culminated in her suicide in 2017. This case highlights the severe consequences of domestic abuse and the legal system's commitment to addressing such crimes.
Details of the Harassment and Tragic Outcome
Prema endured relentless abuse from her husband and in-laws following her marriage, with the torment escalating over trivial matters. In a particularly cruel act, she was forcibly separated from her children and sent back to her parental home. When she expressed a desire to return to her marital home, the accused callously told her to "consume poison and die". Overwhelmed by despair, Prema ingested a poisonous liquid in late March 2017. She was hospitalized but succumbed to her injuries a week later in April, leaving behind a grieving family.
Legal Proceedings and Court Verdict
The Bhadravathi Rural police promptly registered a case against the husband, in-laws, and their relatives under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including sections related to cruelty by a husband or his relatives. After a thorough investigation, a charge sheet was filed, with Rathnamma P serving as the public prosecutor to represent the victim's interests in court.
On February 13, the IV Additional District and Sessions Court in Bhadravathi, presided over by Judge Indira Mailaswamy Chettiar, delivered its verdict. The court convicted and sentenced the following individuals to three years of rigorous imprisonment:
- Mohan R (husband)
- Sarojamma
- Rangappa
- Shekhar
- Murthy
In addition to the imprisonment, the court imposed a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh. It directed that Rs 1 lakh from this fine be paid as compensation to Prema's mother, Chandramma, providing some measure of solace for the family's loss. This ruling underscores the judiciary's stance on domestic violence and its dedication to ensuring accountability for such heinous acts.
