Jagatsinghpur District and Sessions Judge Ananda Chandra Behera delivering judgment in a dowry death case on Friday sentenced the deceased woman’s husband Srinibas Patra to life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000, in default, to undergo another six months’ rigorous imprisonment. However, the court acquitted the deceased’s father-in-law Saroj Patra and mother-in-law Chandana Patra, who had been charge-sheeted by police in the case.

Anasuya had married one Srinibas on February 3, 2008 and her family had given sufficient dowry in cash and kind as desired by the in-laws. But after a year, her in-laws and husband started ill-treating her both physically and mentally demanding a dowry of Rs 2 lakh, among other things.

As Anasuya’s father expressed his inability for further dowry, she was physically assaulted and finally set on fire on December 5, 2010.

Anasuya’s parental uncle Sarada Prasad Ray lodged an FIR at the Jagatsinghpur police station accusing Srinibas and in-laws of the crime. Police arrested Srinibas and Anasuya’s father-in-law Saroj and mother-in-law Chandana and registered a case against them under Sections 302, 304 B, 498A, 406 IPC and R/W 4 DP Act.

The trial of the case took place in the court after taking shreds of evidences and witnesses presented by the prosecution and the court found Srinibas guilty and awarded him the punishment. The deceased’s father-in-law and mother-in-law were acquitted due to lack of cogent probe against them.

Public Prosecutor Nalinikanta Moharana was representing the prosecution during the course of trial.