1. This appeal is directed against judgment dated 10-6-1996 passed by 6th Additional Sessions Judge, Durg in Sessions Trial No. 494/1993. By the impugned judgment, accused / appellant Birendranath Garewal has been convicted under S.304 - B and 498 - A of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for seven years and two years, respectively. Both the sentences are directed to run concurrently. By the said judgment, the learned Additional Sessions Judge acquitted other accused persons Kedarnath Garewal and Jitendra Garewal of the charges framed against them.

2. Case of the prosecution, in brief, is as under :
Deceased Anita was married with the appellant on 4-5-1992. After one year of the marriage, when she came to her maternal house, she told her mother that the appellant used to beat and ill - treat her. He used to come home in drunken state. The appellant intended to start some business and for that purpose he was asking and ill - treating her to bring an amount of Rs. 10,000/- from her parents. He used to say that until she brings the amount of Rs. 10,000/-, he will not keep her with him. On 28-5-1993, the deceased had written an inland letter to her fat