SRINAGAR: A local court in Anantnag has acquitted three accused persons in a murder and cruelty case, giving them the benefit of doubt after finding that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
The Principal Sessions Judge, Anantnag, Tahir Khurshid Raina, acquitted Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Mohammad Shaban Lone, and Aisha Begum in a case arising out of FIR No. 15/2021 of Police Station Mattan, registered under Sections 302, 342 and 498-A IPC.
The case related to the death of a lady, who had suffered severe burn injuries in March 2021 and later succumbed at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar. Initially registered as a case of attempt to suicide, the FIR was subsequently converted into murder following her death and recording of a dying declaration.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 14 witnesses, including medical experts and family members. However, the court, observed that the prosecution evidence suffered from material contradictions, inconsistencies and lack of corroboration, particularly with regard to the dying declaration and allegations of harassment.
The court noted that the prosecution failed to establish a clear chain of circumstances linking the accused to the alleged crime. It held that suspicion, however strong, cannot take the place of proof, and the accused are entitled to acquittal where reasonable doubt exists.
Accordingly, the court acquitted all the accused of the charges, holding that the prosecution had not been able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The accused were ordered to be released forthwith, subject to compliance with procedural requirements.
At the time of the judgment, two of the accused were already on bail, while one accused was lodged in jail. The court ordered that the accused in custody be released forthwith, subject to compliance with legal formalities. (KDC)
