The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted bail to a Pune man accused of setting fire his wife to death. The prosecution had a dying declaration of the deceased wife, in which she alleged that her husband lit her on fire in 2019.
According to the prosecution, on April 8, 2019, the accused, Madhukar Magang (28) got into an argument with his wife while under the influence of alcohol. Madhukar worked as a labourer and had two children with his wife after eight years of marriage.
Magang poured kerosene on her and flicked a lighter at her, suspecting his wife’s character. Her clothes were burnt, and she tried to embrace him, but he managed to flee. Madhukar had suffered burn injuries on his hands and abdomen.
The wife was then taken to the hospital for treatment, and her statement was recorded, leading to the filing of a FIR against Madhukar. On April 14, 2019, his wife died, and he was arrested. Upon the conclusion of the inquiry, a charge sheet was filed.
Madhukar’s advocate, Sana Raees Khan, contended that he and his wife had a falling out. “He fled the house to prevent additional squabbles. But, after hearing screaming, he entered the home and saw that his wife was on fire, so he attempted to extinguish the fire but was unable to do so,” Khan stated.
Khan further claimed that the doctor failed to certify whether the dead was in a fit state of mind when she recorded her dying declaration. Khan further argued that the accusation of a lighter being thrown at the wife was, prima facie, since once the lighter’s lever is released, the flames is sure to go out.
As the prosecution opposed any relief granted to Madhukar, Judge PD Naik pointed out that it was his family who took the burned wife to the hospital. According to Judge Naik, “Magang appears to have received burn injuries, and there is some evidence that he attempted to extinguish the fire. Magang has been detained for an extended amount of time. As a result, a case for bail is made out.”
