Mysore/Mysuru: The Fourth Additional District and Sessions Court in Mysuru has sentenced one Rajesh, a resident of Jayanagar in Mysuru, to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Nalina.

The Court found him guilty and ruled that the prosecution had proved the charges under Section 302 (punishment for murder) of the Indian Penal Code.

The Court also imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000, with an additional one month of simple imprisonment in case of default.

Background of the case

Rajesh married Nalina on March 8, 2009. In 2019, while living in Ramabai Nagar, Nalina lodged a complaint at the Mysuru District Women’s Police Station alleging harassment by Rajesh and his family over trivial matters.

The Police counselled the couple and advised Rajesh to treat his wife well.

Later, the couple moved to a rented house in Jayanagar, but Rajesh continued to quarrel with Nalina frequently after visiting his mother’s home.

Crime in 2021

On May 3, 2021, at House No. 69, 3rd A Cross, Jayanagar, Nalina scolded her daughter Chandana for wanting to visit her grandmother’s house and even kicked her.

When Rajesh questioned Nalina, she allegedly abused him in foul language. Enraged, Rajesh attacked Nalina with a machete in the presence of Chandana and Vajratej, killing her on the spot. He left the weapon at the scene.

The Ashokapuram Police Station registered the case and the then Investigating Officer B.S. Prakash filed a chargesheet under Section 302 IPC.

During the trial, presided over by Judge P.J. Somashekar, the prosecution presented evidence and witness testimonies that established Rajesh’s guilt. After considering the evidence, the Court convicted Rajesh of murder and awarded him life imprisonment along      with a fine.

 The case was prosecuted by Fourth Additional Public Prosecutor S.T. Sudha, who examined the witnesses.

T.H. Lolakshi argued the case on behalf of the State.