Team Herald
PANJIM: Ten years after the death of Fatima Pereira from Santa Cruz, her husband Caitainho Julio Baretto has been sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 25,000 for cruelty and abetting her to commit suicide.
The Additional District and Sessions Court, Panjim sentenced Baretto after 10 long years of wait by the victim’s parents for justice.
According to the prosecution, between September 20, 2008 and April 6, 2009, Baretto who was a government employee, harassed Fatima mentally and physically. He subjected her to torture to such an extent that she was forced to leave her matrimonial house and abetted her to commit suicide as she failed to fulfil his dowry demands.
Following the death of Fatima, her parents filed a complaint accusing Baretto for their daughter’s death. Then Panjim Deputy Collector after conducting an enquiry lodged a complaint at the Old Goa Police Station.
The case was investigated further by then Old Goa Police Inspector Manoj Mardolkar who filed the charge-sheet.
for offences under Sections 498-A, 306 and 304-B of the Indian Penal Code. During the course of investigation and hearing, the prosecution examined 18 witnesses.
Baretto’s sentence which was to be delivered earlier this year was delayed by four months as the accused sought adjournments several times. Finally this month, he was sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 25,000.
