Tried to save self, says woman; cops agree

MADURAI: Holding that killing her husband in self-defence and to protect the modesty of her daughter can’t termed as murder, Madurai Superintendent of Police Asra Garg released a 40-year-old mother of four, invoking the provision of right to self-defence on Friday.She was released as per Section 100 of Indian Penal Code (Right of private defence of the body extending to cause of death). Usha Rani of Tiruppalai allegedly killed her husband Veeranan alias Jothi Basu (46) by hittng him with a cricket bat when he attempted to rape their 19-year-old daughter on Thursday.“Investigations proved that it was an act of private self defence and to safeguard the modesty of her daughter. So we released her,” Garg, told Express.Veeranan, who came to the house under the pretext to collect the money he gave as advance for the rented house, forced Usha to have sex. When she refused, he attempted to rape his daughter, said inspector R Balaji of Umachikulam stationWhen Usha and her mother Veluammal (62) tried to prevent it, he beat up Usha with the cricket bat.  When he went ahead to rape his daughter, Usha hit him with the bat. He succumbed to injuries on the spot.The couple got divorced in 2007. But they were reunited in November last year. Usha has been living with her three daughters and a son. Though the couple was reunited, they didn’t get along well as Veeranan often picked up quarrels with her.  On February 8, Usha approached inspector of Umachikulam police station and complained against Veeranan stating that he was torturing her to withdraw the dowry harassment case, registered in 2004.  As they were already legally divorced, the inspector asked them live separately and sort out the case via the court.