Judge of the Mahila Court M.P. Subramanian on Wednesday convicted and sentenced Saravanan (27) to undergo seven years rigorous imprisonment for cruelty to his wife and abetting her suicide.
According to public prosecutor R. Sarojini, Rani (23) wife of Saravanan was charred to death on March 30, 2010. It is learnt that the victim had resorted to self-immolation after a wordy duel with her husband. The couple have a six-year-old boy and a three-year-old daughter.
It is learnt that the Saravanan was an alcoholic, used to suspect the fidelity of his wife and constantly harass her for money for buying liquor.
On the day of the incident, it is learnt that he demanded money for liquor and when she refused, the accused reportedly told his son to pour kerosene on himself and set himself ablaze.
It is learnt that the boy, without knowing the consequences of what the father was saying, reportedly attempted to pour kerosene on himself.
Irked over the behaviour of Saravanan, the victim (Rani) stating that the children need not die for her mistake of having married an alcoholic and in a fit of rage, immolated herself.
Police arrested Saravanan and registered cases against him under section 498 A (cruelty to woman) and 306 (abetting suicide) of Indian Penal Code
The Judge found him guilty on both counts and awarded one year rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 5,000 for cruelty to woman and seven years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 10,000 for the offence of abetting a suicide.
In default to remit the fine, the judge ordered that the accused shall serve another 18 months in prison.
