Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga (SP)

Shivamogga, Dec 3: The additional district and sessions court here has sentenced two persons with rigorous imprisonment after finding them guilty of abetting minor's suicide.

Rajesh (27) from Shikaripura in the district has been awarded five years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed with a fine of Rs 25,000. His sister, Bhagya (29), has been ordered to undergo three years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 25,000. Rajesh will have to undergo an additional year's jail term in case of failure to pay up fine, while Bhagya will need to be behind bars for six more months in case she fails to meet the fine amount.

The judgment was passed by judge of the court, K G Shanti.

Rajesh used to pester Pooja (17) from Pragathinagara in Shikaripura, to marry him. He brought pressure on her through persuation and mentally tortured her to fall in line, it is said. His elder sister, Bhagya, too supported Rajesh in his intentions and brought pressure on Pooja on a regular basis to marry her younger brother.

Feeling depressed over this development, Pooja (17) committed suicide on December 16, 2013, by hanging herself at her home. Police personnel of Shikaripura station, who had registered a case on the basis of complaint filed by Pooja's mother, Chinnakka, had arrested the accused and filed charge sheet after conducting investigation.