Special Correspondent
Pune: The court of Additional Sessions Judge P.P. Jadhav sentenced Tanaji Dutta alias Dattatreya Sarkale (28), a resident of Tandali in Shirur, to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 for murdering his wife, Priyanka Sarkale (21), by setting her ablaze after dousing her with kerosene. The crime stemmed from suspicions over her character.
Incident and Investigation
The tragic incident occurred between 9 and 9:30 p.m. on May 7, 2016, in Shirur. Priyanka, who suffered 90% burns, was rushed to Sassoon Hospital. While undergoing treatment in the hospital’s burn ward, she provided a statement to Police Inspector Somnath Waghmode and Constable Parashuram Mhaske. Her testimony was video-recorded and later presented as key evidence in court.
Priyanka battled for her life for five days before succumbing to her injuries on May 11, 2016. Investigating officer Uttam Bhajanawale arrested Tanaji and filed a chargesheet against him.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
Additional Public Prosecutor Namdev Tarlgatti presented testimony from eight witnesses. The court rejected the defence argument that Priyanka’s burns were caused by a stove explosion. The video recording of Priyanka’s pre-mortem statement proved critical in establishing Tanaji’s guilt.
Marital Troubles and the Crime
Tanaji and Priyanka were married in 2013 and had a son together. However, Tanaji reportedly harbored constant suspicions about Priyanka’s character and frequently subjected her to physical abuse.
On the day of the crime, Tanaji verbally abused Priyanka in front of their son, leading to a heated argument. In a fit of rage, he poured kerosene on her. Terrified, Priyanka ran out of the house, but Tanaji set her on fire, causing her to scream in agony.
Justice Delivered
The court’s verdict, based on strong evidence and witness accounts, brings justice to Priyanka and sends a strong message against domestic violence and spousal abuse.
