MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court has upheld the life imprisonment given to a man for killing his pregnant wife at Charkop in suburban Kandivli in 2007. Dismissing an appeal filed by the convict, a bench noted: “…We are of the opinion that the appellant has committed the murder of his wife Sonali… We find no merit in the appeal.”
Rahul Mandal was convicted by a Mumbai sessions court on December 16, 2010 for killing his wife, who was four months pregnant. The incident occurred on October 23, 2007.
According to prosecution, Rahul suspected his wife’s character and had a quarrel with her. In a fit of rage, he assaulted her with The victim’s cries were heard by neighbours Praveen and Chhaya, the prosecution witnesses who rushed to render assistance. But Sonali died due to the alleged assault. Rahul summoned a doctor. However, noticing injuries and bleeding, the doctor became suspicious and informed the police.
According to post mortem report, 17 injuries were found on Sonali’s body. Eight were contusions on the face, chest, knee and legs. Three contused lacerated wounds were found on the skull, two incised wounds on the chin and one on the arm. Nail marks and abrasions were also found.
Rahul denied the murder charges but was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment, after which he filed an appeal in High Court.
