JUDGEMENT
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(1.)Tersely, the facts, material & evidence, unfolded during the course of trial, culminating in the commencement, relevant for disposal of the instant appeal and emanating from the record, is that, the marriage of appellant Labh Singh son of Jasmail Singh was solemnized with Amarjit Kaur in village Chakkar about 11/12 years prior to the present occurrence. After solemnization of their marriage, they resided together, cohabited as husband & wife and a son (aged 6 years) and a daughter (aged 4 years) were born out of their wedlock. Amarjit Kaur was stated to be under depression and used to leave and come to her matrimonial home of her own even without informing any member of the family. On 15.1.1998, she had left the matrimonial home without informing any body and did not return. Her husband and other relatives searched for her in the relations, but in vain. They have also informed her parents in this respect.
(2.)Faced with the grave situation, appellant Labh Singh had convened a panchayat headed by Mohinder Singh Sarpanch & other members of the panchayat and reported the matter to the police. The Police of Post Chowke recorded DDR entry (Rapat) No.4 dated 18.1.1998 (Ex.PH) in this relevant connection.
(3.)Sequelly, the prosecution claimed that on 22.1.1998 at about 5.30 P.M., the dead body of Amarjit Kaur was found floating in the village pond, in front of the house of the appellants. After receipt of the information, complainant Harnek Singh son of Buta Singh (PW2) (for brevity "the complainant") reached village Ballo and made his statement (Ex.PE), inter-alia, alleging therein that the appellants and the acquitted accused used to taunt her on the ground that she was not so beautiful. They did not allow her to meet her parents. It was stated that on 13.1.1998, he had gone to the matrimonial home of his sister. The appellants were taking liquor. All the accused abused him and his sister. She lodged a protest, but he (PW2) pacified her saying that the accused were drunk. He came back to his village on 14.1.1998 and on the next day, he came to know about the fact of missing of his sister. Thereafter, his father Buta Singh (PW4), maternal uncle Ranjit Singh, Surender Singh son of Amar Singh from their brotherhood searched for his sister in their relations for many days, but in vain. However, neither they visited her matrimonial home nor lodged any report to the police.
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