supported the prosecution case. Varinder Kumar (P.W.10), maternal uncle of the deceased, also corroborated the version given by Pawan Kumar (P.W.2) and Santosh Rani (P.W.3). Dr.Gurmanjit Rani (P.W.1), who along with Dr.Amarjit Singh had conducted autopsy on the dead body of Kavita Kumari, stated that the deceased had suffered 100 percent ante mortem burns. Ritika (P.W.14), daughter of Kavita Kumar (deceased) was got summoned by the prosecution under Section 311 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. As per the prosecution, she was the eye-witness to the occurrence. Ritika (P.W.14), when examined in Court on 27.8.2001, disclosed her age as nine years. The occurrence had taken place on 27.8.2001. It means her age at the time of occurrence was about six and a half years. Statement of Ritika was recorded without oath. It was stated by her that she was present when her mother was burnt to death by both the accused. She further explained that kerosene oil on the deceased was sprinkled by Lakhwinder Kaur and she was set ablaze with the stick of match box by accused Rajinder Kumar. In her examination-in-chief, Ritika stated that she had disclosed the police about the occurrence. It is not understandable as to why Ritika was not joined in the investigation if she had disclosed to the police about the fact that her mother had been set ablaze by the accused. Statement of Ritika was not recorded by the police during investigation. Ritika stated that on the date when her statement was recorded in Court, she was brought to the Court by her maternal grandfather and she was told by him to make
