A husband was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life by Karimnagar Fast Track Judge A Prasada Raju here on Monday. According to Additional Public Prosecutor V Balakishan Rao, the accused Koduru Laxman alias Raju (25), of Kisan Nagar locality of Karimnagar town, who works as a lorry driver, was addicted to drinks and was demanding his wife Koduru Sumalatha (22) to bring additional dowry. On May 26, 2011, the accused demanded that his wife Sumalatha to bring additional dowry while she was cooking food in the kitchen. When she refused, Laxman poured kerosene on her body and set her ablaze. When their daughter Pravalitha raised an alarm, neighbours rushed her to the government hospital at Karimnagar, while the accused fled the scene. After Sumalatha file a complaint, the police registered a case against the accused. However, she succumbed to burn injuries and died after battling death for 18 days. After examining eight witnesses, the judge convicted the accused to rigorous imprisonment for life and a fine of Rs 3000. PTI
