Patna: A Patna court has sentenced Naushad Ahmed, a resident of Simri village under Bihta police station limits, to two years of rigorous imprisonment in a case involving instant triple talaq, marking what is reported to be the first conviction under the law in Bihar.
Additional District and Sessions Judge-24 Rajiv Ranjan Sahay convicted Ahmed under Section 4 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, and Sections 323 and 341 of the Indian Penal Code, relating to assault and wrongful restraint.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs 6,500. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional one month and 22 days of imprisonment.
However, the court acquitted Ahmed of the charge of attempting an acid attack, citing insufficient evidence to establish the allegation.
Complaint Dates Back To 2022
The complainant, Raziya Sultan, also known as Gudiya, married Ahmed on November 9, 2001. The couple has three children.
According to the complaint lodged at Phulwari Sharif police station, Ahmed allegedly assaulted his wife and children in 2022. The complaint also alleged an attempted acid attack.
On September 5, 2022, Ahmed allegedly pronounced instant triple talaq to his wife, leading to legal proceedings.
Following its investigation, the police filed a charge sheet on July 31, 2023. During the trial, the court considered the statements of prosecution witnesses and the available evidence before delivering its verdict.
Court Acquits Accused Of Acid Attack Charge
While convicting Ahmed under the triple talaq law and for assault-related offences, the court found insufficient evidence to convict him of attempting an acid attack.
Defence counsel Shekhar Kumar said there was no evidence against his client regarding the alleged acid attack, resulting in his acquittal on that charge.
He added that the defence would consider challenging the verdict in the High Court after reviewing the court’s order.
The sentence and fine imposed by the Patna court remain subject to any further proceedings arising from the proposed appeal.
