ROHIT B. DEO, J.

1. The appellant assails the judgment and order dated 22.5.2002 in Sessions Trial No. 67/1998 of the learned 1st Ad hoc Additional Sessions Judge, Bhandara by and under which the appellant is convicted for the offences punishable under Sections 304B and 498A of the Indian Penal Code and is sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for seven years and for the offence punishable under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code and is sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for two years.

2. Alongwith the appellant (hereinafter referred to as the accused) his mother Kaushalyabai was also arrayed as a co-accused. She has, however, been acquitted.

3. The deceased Kanchan married the accused on 19.5.1997 and the couple cohabited at village Sadak Arjuni. Kanchan met a watery death between 19.2.1998 and 20.2.1998. Her body was recovered from a well situated in close proximity to the residence of the accused. The accused Motiram lodged a report at police station Duggipar. An accidental case was registered under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973.

4. During the course of investigation, the police prepared the spot and inquest panchanama and the dead body was