HC upholds life sentence to man for killing pregnant wife

Observing that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, the Bombay High Court has upheld the life imprisonment given to a man for killing his pregnant wife at Charkop in suburban Kandivali in 2007.
Dismissing an appeal filed by the convict, a bench noted, "on going through the record, we are of the opinion that the appellant has committed the murder of his wife Sonali. Thus, we find no merit in the appeal."
Rahul Mandal was convicted by a Mumbai sessions court on December 16, 2010 for killing his wife Sonali at their home in Kandivali. The incident occurred on October 23, 2007.

According to prosecution, Rahul suspected his wife's character and had a quarrel with her on the ill-fated day. In a fit of rage, he assaulted her with a belt, roller pin and knife.
Unable to bear the pain, the victim shouted for help and her cries were heard by neighbours Praveen and Chhaya, the prosecution witnesses who came out of their house to render assistance. Four-month pregnant Sonali died due to the alleged assault by her husband.
Rahul summoned a doctor to his house. However, noticing injuries on her person and blood oozing out of the body, the doctor became suspicious and informed police who arrested the husband of the deceased.

According to post mortem report, 17 injuries were found on Sonali's body. Out of them, 8 were contusions on the face, chest, knee and legs. In addition, three contused lacerated wounds were found on the skull. Two incised wounds were found on the chin and one on the arm. Besides nail marks and abrasions were also found on the body.

In the opinion of the doctor, the probable cause of death was due to strangulation associated with multiple contusions all over the body including the head (unnatural).
Police filed a charge sheet in the court and Rahul was booked for the murder charge. He denied the charges and faced trial. However, he was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Being aggrieved, he filed an appeal in High Court which upheld the punishment awarded to him by a lower court.