In a landmark judgment, a court in Kerala handed the death penalty to Greeshma, a 23-year-old woman from Parassala, for the cold-blooded murder of her boyfriend, Sharon Raj. The shocking crime, which involved poisoning Sharon to end their relationship, sent ripples through the state and the country.
The Crime: In October 2022, Greeshma laced a herbal concoction with poison and offered it to Sharon under the pretense of helping him recover from a minor ailment. Sharon, a 23-year-old final-year student, consumed the drink during a visit to Greeshma’s home. Within days, he suffered severe health complications and tragically passed away in a hospital. The autopsy confirmed poisoning, leading to an intense investigation.
The Motive: Investigators revealed that Greeshma was determined to end her relationship with Sharon due to pressure from her family and her desire to marry another man. Despite multiple attempts to sever ties with Sharon, her efforts were unsuccessful, pushing her to resort to the heinous act.
The Trial and Verdict: The court emphasized the calculated and remorseless nature of the crime. Judge K Sanilkumar, in his judgment, highlighted that the case fell under the "rarest of rare" category, justifying the death sentence. Greeshma’s actions, including premeditation and deception, were key factors in the court’s decision.
Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including Greeshma’s confession, the poisoned herbal drink, and testimonies from witnesses. The defense’s plea for leniency, citing her young age and lack of prior criminal record, was rejected by the court.
Public Reaction: The verdict has sparked widespread debate across Kerala and beyond. While many view the judgment as a strong deterrent against such crimes, others question the efficacy and morality of the death penalty.
Impact on Sharon’s Family: For Sharon’s grieving family, the verdict brought a semblance of closure. His father, Rajan, expressed mixed emotions, stating, “No punishment can bring back my son, but this judgment ensures justice is served.”
Legal Precedent: This case sets a significant legal precedent in Kerala, being one of the few instances where a woman has been sentenced to death. Legal experts believe it underscores the judiciary’s commitment to addressing gender-neutral justice in heinous crimes.
As Greeshma’s legal team considers appealing the verdict, the case remains a grim reminder of how personal conflicts can spiral into unthinkable tragedies.
