Husband jailed over missing wedding gifts

In Ghaziabad, a man has been sentenced to two years imprisonment under Section 406 of the Indian Penal Code for criminal breach of trust. The conviction relates to his failure to return assets, including household items, furniture, and jewelry, that belonged to his wife. This ruling concludes a legal battle that has spanned more than 14 years.

The case was initiated after the complainant, Niraj, requested the return of her belongings. Despite a legal notice served in December 2011, the accused, Sandeep Rana, did not return the items. Rana's own cross-examination admitted possession of many of the listed items, and his statements were found to be contradictory by the court.

The Kavinagar police had registered an FIR for criminal breach of trust, which is connected to a dowry case. Niraj stated that her marriage in July 2008 was followed by demands for additional dowry, leading to her estrangement from her family and eventual expulsion from her matrimonial home in January 2010 while pregnant.

Evidence presented included a list of marital gifts and a legal notice. The court observed that Niraj's father had provided household items, furniture, jewelry, and cash amounting to Rs 2,50,000 during the marriage. Considering Rana's inconsistent statements, he was declared guilty of misappropriating his wife's belongings.