A mahila court let off an accused in a murder case in the grounds that he was not in a healthy mental condition. The court acquitted Zakir Hussain, a patient of schizophrenia and hallucination, of the charge of killing his wife.
Zakir, a tailor, married Ramzan Biwi in May 2002. The couple had frequent quarrels as he suspected her fidelity. They lived separately in 2005, but later rejoined. However, when Biwi got pregnant with twins in 2006, Zakir’s doubts returned and there were quarrels again.
On February 12, 2006, Zakir fatally slashed his pregnant wife’s neck with a knife. During trial before the mahila court, judge Meena Sathish heard evidence of several neighbours and prosecution witnesses, which spoke about the discord between the couple.
However, after Zakir’s mental disorder was flagged before the court, the judge summoned Dr Anandha Pratap of Kilpauk Government Hospital and inquired about his medical history. The doctor said Zakir was indeed his patient and was under treatment between November 30 and December 15, 2005. Zakir was diagnosed of schizophrenia, and suffering from hallucination. Since the schizophrenia was in advanced stage, the doctor had advised him to return for more tests, but he didn’t.
On February 2, 2006, Zakir went to the doctor and said he experienced extreme tiredness and that he was unable to do his regular work. Dr Pratap said it was clear indication that his mental illness had worsened. Zakir murdered Biwi on February 12, 2006 and after remand was sent back to the hospital.
Relying upon the evidence of the government doctor, well supported by medical records, judge Meena said it was clear that Zakir had schizophrenia when the offence was allegedly committed. Also, the prosecution had not proved the charges with eyewitnesses, the judge said and ordered his release.
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