V.K. Agrawal, J.

1. The accused/appellant stands convicted under Sections 498A of Indian Penal Code and has been sentenced to undergo R.I. for three years and to pay fine of Rs. 5,000/- (Rupees five thousand only) by judgment dated 23-9-1997 in Sessions Trial No. 59/94 by IInd Additional Sessions Judge, Satna.

2. Undisputably, deceased Usha was married to the appellant Nawal Kishore in the year 1985. 'Gauna' ceremony of deceased Usha took place in the year 1992, whereafter the deceased started residing with the appellant. She died on 27-11-1993.

3. The prosecution case stated in brief is that the accused/appellant demanded one tola of gold and Rs. 5,000/- to be given to him as dowry. Ravinandan Prasad Pandey (P.W.I) father of deceased Usha being a person of modest means was unable to fulfil the demand. The accused/appellant and his parents as well as brother and sister-in-law used to harass and torture the deceased. Deceased Usha committed suicide, as a result of cruelty meted out by the appellant and his family members. The report of incident (Ex.P-13) dt. 4-12-1993 was lodged in writing by the father of deceased Ravinandan Prasad Pandey (P.W.I). Offence was registered. Some