Lack of conclusive evidence leads to acquittal; discrepancies in victim's testimony cited as key factors.
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Vimal Kumar Yadav, has acquitted Nafe Singh, who was previously convicted by a trial court for attempting to murder his wife by allegedly administering Baygon insecticide. The judgment, delivered on August 24, 2026, highlighted the prosecution's failure to establish the requisite intention or knowledge under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which addresses attempt to murder.
The court scrutinized the medical and forensic evidence, which were found to be inconclusive. Despite allegations that Nafe Singh forced Baygon spray down his wife's throat, medical records did not corroborate this claim. The victim's medical examination at Sunder Lal Jain Hospital showed normal parameters, and no traces of poison were detected in her gastric lavage, as per the Forensic Science Laboratory report.
Justice Yadav noted that while the testimony of the victim, as an injured witness, holds significant weight, it must be consistent and corroborated by surrounding evidence. In this case, the inconsistencies in her statements, particularly regarding her previous abortion and dowry demands, weakened the prosecution's case. The victim initially claimed that her abortion was due to beatings from Nafe Singh, but later admitted it occurred naturally.
Furthermore, the court observed that the conduct of Nafe Singh post-incident did not align with the intention to harm. It was he who reported the incident to the police and facilitated his wife's medical treatment, actions that the court deemed inconsistent with the alleged intent to murder.
The defense argued that the charges stemmed from matrimonial discord, with the victim desiring to live separately from her mother-in-law and seeking a share in property. The defense also highlighted a complaint lodged by Nafe Singh's mother, indicating threats from the victim and her family.
Given the lack of credible evidence and the inconsistencies in the prosecution's narrative, the court concluded that it would be unsafe to convict Nafe Singh. Consequently, he was acquitted of the charges under Section 307 IPC, with the court extending the benefit of doubt in his favor.
This judgment underscores the importance of robust evidence in criminal trials, especially when determining intent and knowledge in serious offenses such as attempted murder.
Bottom Line:
Acquittal in attempt to murder case due to lack of conclusive evidence, including medical, forensic, and corroborative testimony.
Statutory provision(s): Indian Penal Code, 1860 Section 307, Section 498A; Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 Section 313, Section 294
