Fact: A, a scientist, working on a rare fuel project had fixed an electronic device that not only set in motion an alarm, but also released high voltage electric shock to guard his lab against thieves and intruders. B who had sneaked into the lab with a view to steal the fuel formula died on account of an electric shock. Can A be prosecuted for an offence under section 304 A? Issue: What offence, if any, has been committed?

Section 304A applies to rash or negligent acts causing death. However, when a person dies while committing a crime (B was trespassing to steal), the chain of causation may be broken. A's device was a legitimate security measure for his lab. B died because of his own criminal act of trespassing. The law generally does not protect trespassers from the consequences of their illegal actions, especially when the property owner has taken reasonable security measures.