1. This appeal is directed against the judgment and order dated 14.08.98 passed by Additional Sessions Judge, Rajnandgaon, in Sessions Trial No. 127/ 97 convicting the accused/appellant for the offences punishable under Sections 306 and 498-A of the Indian Penal Code and sentencing him to undergo simple imprisonment for ten years and pay fine of Rs.1000 u/s 306 and simple imprisonment for three years and pay fine of Rs. 1000 u/s 498-A IPC, plus default stipulations.

2. Facts of the case in brief are that marriage of the deceased namely Asha Bai was solemnized with the accused/appellant herein about 2 years prior to the date of incident i.e. 05.07.97. It is alleged that on 5.7.1997 the deceased died in her matrimonial house after sustaining 100% bum injuries. Merg intimation Ex. P-2 was given to the police on that day itself and after merg investigation FIR Ex. P-16 was registered on 8.7.1997. Challan was filed on 28.07.97 u/s 306 of I.P.C. However, trial Court framed the charges against the accused/ appellant on 18.10.1997 under Sections 498-A, 306 and 304-B IPC.

3. So as to hold the accused/appellant guilty, prosecution has examined as many as 13 witnesses in support of its