V.K. TAHILRAMANI, J.

1. The appellant – State of Maharashtra has preferred this appeal against the Judgment and Order dated 31st July, 1995, passed by the learned II Additional Sessions Judge, Satara in Sessions Case No.67 of 1987. By the said Judgment and Order, the learned Sessions Judge acquitted the respondent-original accused under Sections 302, 201 and 498A of the Indian Penal Code (for short 'I.P.C.').

2. The prosecution case briefly stated, is as under:-

Deceased – Nirmala Ramchandra Lokhande was the wife of the respondent. The respondent, his wife-Nirmala and their son-Sudhir were residing at Mangalwar Peth, Satara. Sudhir was about 6 years old at the time of the incident. The respondent was addicted to liquor and used to assault his wife - Nirmala daily. The incident had occurred on the night between 27th February and 28th February, 1987. The respondent, his wife and their son were in the house. At about 6.00 to 6.30 a.m., neighbours heard shouts of the respondent – accused. The respondent stated 'what have you done'. The neighbours came to the room of the respondent. They saw that the door of the room of the respondent was shut. The door was locked from inside. Th