Judgment :

RAJANI DUBEY, J.

Since both these appeals arise out of the judgment of conviction and order of sentence dated 22.11.2008 passed by II Additional Sessions Judge, FTC, Mungeli, Distt. Bilaspur in ST Nos.9/2007 and 17/2007, they are being disposed of by this common judgment. By the impugned judgment, each of the appellants stands convicted under Section 304B of IPC and sentenced to undergo RI for seven years.

02. Case of the prosecution, in brief, is that marriage of Sukhmani Bai was solemnized with accused Harekrishna Satnami around four years prior to the date of incident. On 29.9.2006 she suffered 60% burn injuries at her matrimonial house and was admitted to Community Health Centre, Lormi. After receipt of information from the doctor, her dying declaration was recorded. However, she was referred to Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS), Bilaspur where during the course of treatment she died on 4.10.2006. During merg inquiry it revealed that the accused persons used to torture and harass her for bringing motorcycle and cash of Rs.40,000/- from her parental house as dowry as a result of which either she immolated herself or was burnt to death by the accused perso