Rajsamand- In a shocking and disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, the district court in Rajsamand has handed down a life sentence to a man convicted of burning his wife alive. The accused, identified as Gopallal Regar, reportedly committed this heinous act, allegedly driven by frustration over his wife's inability to bear a child.

The incident, which transpired on August 8, 2017, took place during a domestic altercation between Gopal lal Regar and his wife, Manjudevi. According to statements made during the trial, Gopallal, fuelled by rage, poured kerosene on his wife and set her ablaze while she was engaged in cooking at their residence.

The court proceedings, presided over by District and Sessions Judge Raghavendra Kachwal, delved into the grim details of the case. Public Prosecutor Jaydev Kachhawa outlined the series of events, shedding light on a pattern of mistreatment and derogatory comments directed at Manjudevi due to her perceived inability to conceive.

Kachhawa detailed that on August 9, 2017, Manju wife of Gopallal Regar, a resident of Miala police station in Devgarh, provided a statement to the police during her treatment in the burn ward of Maharana Bhupal Government Hospital, Udaipur. She narrated, "I entered into matrimony with Gopal lal Regar in the year 2000". She detailed instances of theft by her brother-in-law early in their marriage, leading to a temporary separation of three-four years. However, influenced by external intervention, she decided to reconcile and resume living with her husband, who had secured employment under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA).

The court heard how the relationship took a darker turn as Gopallal Regar allegedly resorted to physical abuse and constant taunts regarding their childlessness. The breaking point occurred on that fateful evening in 2017, resulting in the horrific act that ultimately claimed Manjudevi's life. Following the report, the police promptly registered the case and initiated a thorough investigation. Tragically, the victim succumbed to her injuries during treatment on August 10, 2017, at Civil Hospital Ahmedabad. The Devgarh police station diligently completed the necessary investigations in the case, subsequently presenting a comprehensive charge sheet against the accused Gopal Lal in the Rajsamand District and Sessions Court.

On Tuesday, the court, after hearing arguments from both sides, sentenced the accused to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000.

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