Man sentenced to life imprisonment for burning partner alive in Bowenpally

A 33-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his partner by setting her ablaze in a room at Hasmathpet, Bowenpally, in December 2013. The judgement was pronounced by the VI Additional Sessions Judge, Secunderabad, on Monday.

The convict, K. Shiva, a daily-wage labourer residing in Pedda Thokatta, Bowenpally, was found guilty under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for the murder of Swapna, with whom he had been in a relationship for several years.

According to investigators, Swapna’s parents had arranged her marriage with another man named Rajesh. Despite the marriage, she continued her relationship with Shiva. She later returned to her parental home, from where Shiva took her with him, and the two began living together in a rented room in Hasmathpet.

On the night of December 23, 2013, following an argument, Shiva, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, poured kerosene on Swapna while she was asleep and set her on fire. Neighbours, alerted by her screams, rushed to the scene and took her to hospital. However, despite receiving treatment, she succumbed to her injuries.

The case, registered at Bowenpally Police Station, was investigated by former Inspector of Police RR Rangaiah. The trial concluded and on April 7, the court found Shiva guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹5,000. In default of payment, he will undergo a further three months of simple imprisonment. The case was prosecuted by Additional Public Prosecutor Upender. The judgement was delivered by S. Sreedevi, VI Additional Sessions Judge, Secunderabad.