Kerala Woman Sentenced to Death for Poisoning Boyfriend
In a chilling case that shocked Kerala, a Neyyattinkara Additional District Sessions Court sentenced 24-year-old Greeshma to death for the premeditated murder of her boyfriend, Sharon Raj. The court condemned her for luring Sharon under the guise of intimacy and poisoning him with pesticide-laced juice.
The Tragic Incident
Greeshma and Sharon, who were in a relationship for over a year, were both students in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district. Sharon, a final-year BSc Radiology student, succumbed to multiple organ failure on October 25, 2022, after consuming the poisoned concoction. Before his death, Sharon recorded a video of the suspicious juice, which later became key evidence against Greeshma.
Premeditation and Motive
The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor VS Vineeth Kumar, revealed that Greeshma wanted to end her relationship with Sharon due to an arranged marriage set by her family. She conspired with her uncle, Nirmalakumaran Nair, and her mother to carry out the murder.
The court noted Greeshma’s deliberate actions, including her attempt to conceal the poison bottle and her failure to seek immediate medical help as Sharon’s condition worsened.
Sentencing and Charges
Greeshma was convicted under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
- Section 302: Murder
- Section 364: Abduction with intent to commit murder
- Section 328: Administering poison with intent to harm
- Section 203: Obstruction of justice by providing false information
While Greeshma sought leniency, citing her academic record and status as her parents’ only child, the court rejected her plea, emphasizing the gravity of her betrayal and the lack of provocation for the crime.
Court’s Observations
The court highlighted Sharon’s trust in Greeshma, which she ruthlessly exploited. The bench noted that Sharon had shown no signs of harming or blaming her in their communication. The court also pointed out that Greeshma’s relationship with another man, even as Sharon remained loyal, added to the premeditated nature of her actions.
The court stated, “Sharon fought for his life for 11 days, enduring unimaginable pain. His death was not accidental but the result of a calculated act of betrayal.”
Family’s Reaction and Wider Implications
Sharon’s family welcomed the verdict, expressing relief that justice was served. The case has sparked discussions about toxic relationships and the importance of addressing emotional abuse.
Additional Sentences
The court sentenced Greeshma’s uncle, Nirmalakumaran Nair, to three years of imprisonment for his involvement in the conspiracy.
Conclusion
Greeshma’s sentencing underscores the judiciary’s stand on premeditated crimes, particularly those involving betrayal of trust. The Sharon Raj murder case serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of toxic relationships and the importance of accountability for criminal actions.
