The Mahila Sessions Court at Vijayawada on Thursday awarded death sentence to a man who had killed his pregnant wife about two years ago by setting her on fire. The court had earlier convicted Battula Nambiar (35) for murder, domestic violence and dowry harassment.

According to the prosecution, Nambiar, a jobless college lecturer, suspected his 30-yeatr-old wife Sailaja’s fidelity and often argued with her. On June 15, 2019, Nambiar poured petrol on Sailaja while she was asleep at their residence at Fakirgudem in Vijayawada and set her afire. There was no one at home at the time.

Sailaja, who was pregnant, woke up screaming for help. Neighbours rushed into the house but by then Sailaja had received third-degree burns. She was taken to Vijayawada government hospital where she died a few hours later.

Arguing for the prosecution, advocate Garimella Daiva Prasad told the court that all the material evidence and statements of witnesses proved that the accused committed the grievous crime. He also argued that the case fit the definition of rarest of the rare case. He added that the convict had carefully planned to kill his wife.

Judge G Pratibha Devi too observed that the brutality of the murder fit the Supreme Court’s definition of rarest of the rare and awarded the death penalty.

Police officials said Nambiar, a native of Jonnapadu in Krishna district, initially worked as a lecturer in a private junior college at Gudiwada town. He married Sailaja, who was a teacher in a private school at Krishna Lanka in Vijayawada, in December 2018.

A few months after the marriage, Nambiar quit his job and stayed with his wife in a rented house. He used to depend on her for money. But soon he suspected her of having an affair. He even argued with his in-laws over the issue multiple times. Sailaja’s two sisters and brother also stayed with her. Her parents stayed at Lingayapalem under Koduru mandal.

The prosecution said on the fateful day, Sailaja’s siblings were visiting their parents. Nambiar began arguing with Sailaja and assaulted her before setting her on fire early in the morning.

The police registered a case following a complaint from her father, Mohan Rao, and arrested Nambiar. After hearing the arguments on both sides and examining more than 18 witnesses, the court convicted him under all charges.

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