In a verdict that has sent shockwaves across Kerala, the Neyyattinkara Additional Sessions Court sentenced Greeshma, the primary accused in the high-profile Sharon Raj murder case, to death. Greeshma was found guilty of poisoning her boyfriend, 23-year-old Sharon Raj, by lacing an ayurvedic decoction with pesticide.
The court also sentenced Greeshma’s uncle, Nirmalakumaran Nair, to three years of rigorous imprisonment, while her mother, Sindhu, was acquitted of all charges.
Delivering the judgement, the court described the crime as cold-blooded and premeditated, stating, “The act of inviting Sharon under the guise of intimacy and committing this heinous crime is indefensible. The evidence, including Sharon’s video recording of the suspicious juice despite being asked not to, clearly indicates that he sensed danger but trusted Greeshma. He fought for his life for 11 agonising days without consuming even water.”
The court noted that Greeshma betrayed Sharon’s trust, emotionally manipulated him, and plotted his murder while remaining in contact with her fiancĂ©. It dismissed her claims of mental pressure and allegations of abuse by Sharon, citing a lack of evidence. Instead, the court highlighted Sharon’s unwavering commitment to the accused, contrasting it with her calculated deception.
Greeshma faced charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 302 (murder), 364 (abduction with intent to murder), 328 (administering poison), and 203 (obstruction of justice). The court rejected her defense of youthful age, emphasizing the severity and premeditated nature of the crime.
The case traces back to October 14, 2022, when Greeshma allegedly poisoned Sharon at her residence. Sharon, unaware of her intentions, consumed the herbal medicine and succumbed 11 days later while in the ICU. Investigations revealed that Greeshma, who was planning to marry another man, sought to end her relationship with Sharon and resorted to murder when he refused to break up.
A pivotal moment in the case was Sharon’s dying declaration, in which he revealed that he had consumed the concoction given by Greeshma, believing it to be harmless. Forensic evidence and the testimony of over 95 witnesses further solidified the prosecution’s case.
The investigation, led by a special team under then-Superintendent of Police Shilpa, culminated in the filing of the charge sheet on January 25, 2023. The trial, which began on October 15 last year, concluded on January 3 this year.
The verdict has been hailed as a landmark decision, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice in cases of such brutal and premeditated crimes.
