Chandigarh Court sentences mother-son duo to life imprisonment in 2019 Dowry Death Case

A local court has sentenced a 46-year-old woman, Sheela Devi, and her 29-year-old son, Ramkaran, to life imprisonment for the murder of Ramkaran's differently-abled wife, Sadhna, on August 28, 2019. The case was registered a day later based on a complaint filed by the victim's brother, Harikesh.

Initially, the mother-in-law informed the police that Sadhna, 24, died of stomach pain, and her body was stored in the refrigerator. However, suspicion arose when police discovered injury marks on the victim's neck during the investigation. The victim's brother revealed that Sadhna had been subjected to dowry harassment and domestic violence since her marriage in May 2018. Despite his attempts to stop the cruelty, the in-laws persisted. He even offered to arrange more dowry, but tragically, his sister was killed.

ALSO READ: Chandigarh Child Rights Panel raises alarm on fire safety issues in schools

Convictions and sentencing

The court found Sheela Devi and Ramkaran guilty under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code, sentencing them to life imprisonment and imposing a ₹25,000 penalty each. Both convicts cited health problems in their plea for leniency, with Sheela Devi claiming hypertension, and Ramkaran highlighting his physical disability. The court, however, rejected their pleas, emphasizing the heinous nature of the crime and the need for a firm response to such acts for the sake of society.

ALSO READ: PGI Injection mystery deepens as Police close in on suspect