Case Note & Summary
The appellant, Rajendra Ramhari Kokane, was convicted under Section 302 IPC for the murder of Sangita, the wife of his relative Sadashiv Raut. The incident occurred on 8 June 2011 when Sangita was cutting grass in her field. The appellant, who had previously outraged her modesty, assaulted her with a sickle (koyata) causing 13 injuries, leading to death. The prosecution relied on motive (previous complaint of outraging modesty), last seen evidence (PW5 Narayan Raut saw the appellant leaving the field with a bloodstained sickle), recovery of the weapon and bloodstained clothes at the appellant's instance, and medical evidence. The trial court convicted and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The High Court, on appeal, examined the circumstantial evidence and found the chain complete, upholding the conviction.
Headnote
A) Criminal Law - Murder - Circumstantial Evidence - Section 302 Indian Penal Code, 1860 - Conviction based on motive, last seen evidence, recovery of weapon and bloodstained clothes - Held that the chain of circumstances was complete and pointed to the guilt of the appellant (Paras 1-10).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the conviction of the appellant under Section 302 IPC for murder based on circumstantial evidence is sustainable.
Final Decision
Appeal dismissed; conviction and sentence under Section 302 IPC upheld
Law Points
- Circumstantial evidence
- motive
- last seen theory
- recovery of weapon
- Section 302 IPC
- conviction upheld
