New Delhi:
A mother and her son from Sangli district of Maharashtra were sentenced to ten years rigorous imprisonment by a fast track court in a dowry death case.
Parubhai Baburao Nikam (55) and her son Sambaji (35) were awarded the sentence by Thane Additions Sessions Judge I B Shaikh yesterday.
The duo hailing from Shirala of Sangli were convicted after Sambaji's wife Sunanda set herself on fire in October 2006 following continuous harassment and torture for dowry by her mother-in law.
However, four others--two sons of Parubhai and their wives who were also tried in the same case were let off for want of sufficient evidence. They were identified as Shivaji Baburao Nikam, Geeta Shivaji Nikam, Uttam Baburao Nikam and Sangeeta Uttam Nikam.
Additional Public Prosecutor Hemlata Deshmukh told the court that Sambaji was married to Sunanda May 2002. Initially the couple were comfortable. Later Sambaji moved to Navi Mumbai, Turbhe for job and left her with his mother at Sangli.
At Sangli her in-laws began harassing her for dowry and allegedly bashed her up several times demanding more money and gold from her parents.
The harassment increased after she returned from home after her first delivery. The family of Sunanda tried to give them some ornaments but this was not enough. As the torture continued she set herself afire in 2006. The couple had two children from their marriage.
The accused including her husband were arrested on charges under section 498 A and 306 of the IPC.
The judge found them guilty of the charges of harassment for dowry leading to her death and sentenced the mother-son duo.