Banswara, April 17: In a significant ruling under the new Indian Penal Code (BNS), a husband has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife in Banswara district. The court also imposed a fine of one lakh rupees on the convict. This verdict is considered the first major decision in a murder case since the implementation of the BNS in the district.
The incident occurred in the Devaliya Shaktawat village of the Khamera police station area, where on October 13, 2024, the accused, Udaylal, strangled his wife, Kanta. Following the crime, the police informed the victim’s family. When they arrived at the scene, Kanta’s body was found lying on a cot in the courtyard, with visible injuries on her neck and nail marks, confirming the murder.
Public Prosecutor Yogeshwar Sompura stated that prior to the incident, the accused had locked their three young children in a room and secured it from the outside to prevent them from intervening during the crime. The police rescued the children after arriving at the scene.
Investigations revealed a long-standing dispute between the couple. About two months before the incident, they had a quarrel that was resolved with the help of villagers and local leaders. After the reconciliation, Kanta returned to her marital home, but the accused resumed the abuse, ultimately leading to her death.
The medical board’s report indicated that the cause of death was asphyxiation due to strangulation. The prosecution presented a strong case against Udaylal, supported by witnesses and evidence, leading the court to convict him under Section 103(1) of the Indian Penal Code, sentencing him to life imprisonment and a fine of one lakh rupees.