Manoharan, J.

Accused is the appellant. He was charged under Sec. 302, I.P.C. for having caused the death of his pregnant wife, Gouri and the foetus at about 10.30 p.m. on 12. 1989 near the burial ground at West Yakkara. Learned Sessions Judge, Palakkad Division found him guilty of the offence, convicted and sentenced him to undergo imprisonment for life. Accused challenges the finding. Conviction and sentence in this appeal.

2. Accused, a native of Yakkara in Palakkad District while was working in a workshop at Perintalmanna, married Gouri, a resident of Pathakkaja in Perintalmanna on 26. 1988. After the marriage, they resided in one of the residential units in a row quarters known as ‘KPR Quarters’ situated in Anamangad in Perintalmanna. One Gopalakrishna alias Gopu-Gopal was their neighbour. On suspicion that Gouri had illicit intimacy with the said Gopalakrishnan accused used to pick up quarrel with her and manhandle her. In January, 1989 Gouri was in advanced stage of pregnancy and on 11. 1989 Gouri was taken to her paternal house at Pathakkara. Accused also shifted his residence to that house. On 12. 1989 Gouri’s mother (P.W.5) went to her tarwad house at Mankada,