The Supreme Court directed Tripura Police to immediately trace and arrest a man absconding after his wife was found dead in their house. The apex court upheld his life sentence, calling the case a grim reminder of dowry-related violence and domestic abuse.
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Director General of Police of Tripura to immediately form a special team to trace and arrest a man who has been absconding after his wife was found dead inside their matrimonial home. The apex court also upheld his conviction and life imprisonment in the case, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the consequences of dowry-related torture and domestic violence.
A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and K V Viswanathan dismissed the appeal filed by Gour Acharjee, who had challenged his conviction under Sections 302 and 498A of the Indian Penal Code. The court held that the prosecution had successfully established his involvement in the death of his wife, Soma Acharjee, and ruled that he failed to provide any reasonable explanation regarding the injuries found on the deceased.
While delivering the judgment, the Supreme Court observed that crimes committed inside the privacy of a house place an additional responsibility on the occupants to explain how the victim died. The bench noted that although the initial burden of proof lies with the prosecution, the inmates of the house are expected to give a convincing explanation when a death occurs under suspicious circumstances within the home.
The court said the evidence clearly indicated that Soma Acharjee was subjected to continuous mental and physical torture shortly after her marriage because of dowry demands. According to the judgment, she repeatedly pleaded with her parents to rescue her from the abusive environment and even returned to her parental home on several occasions.
However, every attempt made by her family and local elders focused on reconciliation and compromise instead of ensuring her safety. The Supreme Court expressed concern that social pressure and the fear of public criticism possibly prevented stronger action from being taken earlier.
The bench described the case as an “eye-opener” and raised serious questions over whether Soma’s life could have been saved if timely intervention had taken place. The judges remarked that her family held on to a false sense of hope that the situation would improve, but those expectations were ultimately shattered by her tragic death.
According to court records, village elders had intervened multiple times, and resolutions were reportedly passed in an effort to settle disputes between the couple. Despite repeated allegations of abuse, Soma was sent back to her matrimonial home after each compromise attempt.
The Supreme Court emphasized that such cases highlight the dangers of ignoring repeated complaints of domestic violence and dowry harassment. The judges stated that the story of Soma’s life and death should serve as a warning to society about the devastating consequences of forced reconciliation in abusive marriages.
Examining the medical evidence, the court noted that the post-mortem report and expert testimony clearly pointed towards “simulated hanging” or “homicidal hanging.” The bench accepted the findings of both the trial court and the high court that Soma’s death was not a case of suicide.
The judges further observed that Gour Acharjee was present in the dwelling unit when the body was discovered hanging, making it his duty to provide a plausible explanation regarding the circumstances leading to her death and the injuries found on her body. His inability to do so significantly strengthened the prosecution’s case.
The Supreme Court also took note of the fact that the trial court had acquitted the father of the accused due to lack of evidence. Additionally, the high court later acquitted the mother and brother of the accused under Section 302 of the IPC because they were not residing in the same hut where the incident occurred, although they lived within the same compound.
Referring to witness testimonies presented during the trial, the apex court said the prosecution successfully established the presence of the accused at the time the deceased was found hanging. The court concluded that the evidence on record fully justified the conviction and sentence imposed by the lower courts.
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With the accused reportedly absconding after the judgment, the Supreme Court directed the Tripura DGP to ensure immediate action for his arrest and custody. The ruling has once again drawn attention to the persistent issue of dowry harassment and domestic violence cases across the country, as well as the need for timely intervention to protect vulnerable victims.
