Araria: The Araria Civil Court has sentenced 25-year-old Mithun Mandal, a resident of Palasi, to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Madhu Devi, in a dowry-related case. The court also imposed a fine of ₹5,000 on the convict. In case of non-payment, Mithun will have to serve an additional six months in jail.
The verdict was delivered by Fourth Additional Sessions Judge Ravi Kumar, who found Mithun guilty under Section 304(B) of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with dowry deaths. The court rejected the defense’s plea for a reduced sentence, citing the gravity of the crime and the overwhelming evidence presented during the speedy trial.
Love Marriage Turned Tragic
Mithun had married Madhu Devi, a neighbor, two years ago in what was initially a love marriage. However, just six months after their wedding, Mithun and his family began harassing Madhu for a dowry of ₹50,000. When the demand was not fulfilled, the harassment escalated to physical violence.
On April 11, 2019, around 9 PM, Madhu was allegedly beaten with sticks by Mithun and his family members, and later forcibly made to consume poison. She died shortly after.
Poison Confirmed in Forensic Tests
The postmortem report and forensic science laboratory (FSL) analysis confirmed the presence of aluminium phosphide, a toxic substance, in Madhu’s body. Based on a complaint filed by Geeta Devi, the victim’s mother, an FIR was registered against Mithun and eight of his family members, including his parents and six sisters.
While Mithun has been convicted, the investigation is still ongoing against the remaining accused family members.
