A court in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district on Saturday sentenced a 60-year-old woman to life imprisonment for murdering her daughter-in-law by setting her on fire.
Additional Sessions Judge-III Rajendra Kumar Sinha pronounced the verdict, sentencing Anita Devi (60) to life imprisonment and imposing a fine of ₹10,000. In case of non-payment, she will have to serve an additional two years in prison.
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According to Additional Government Pleader Ashok Kumar Rai, the victim, Kavita Devi, gave a statement before her death, based on which an FIR was registered at Sarwan Police Station on April 23, 2022.
In her dying declaration, Kavita Devi stated that an altercation had occurred between her and her mother-in-law. After returning home, where dried straw was stored, Anita Devi allegedly followed her and set the straw ablaze, causing her sari to catch fire. Though she cried for help, no one came to her rescue. She was later rushed to hospital but succumbed to her burn injuries.
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The police filed the charge sheet on March 10, 2025. The court conducted a speedy trial and delivered its verdict, convicting Anita Devi for the heinous crime.
