Sharon Raj murder case: Greeshma moves Kerala HC against death sentence

NEW DELHI: The Kerala high court on Thursday called for records related to the conviction and death sentence handed to a 24-year-old woman, Greeshma, in the sensational murder of her boyfriend in 2022.

A bench of Justices PB Suresh Kumar and Jobin Sebastian directed the state to clarify its stand on the appeal filed by Greeshma and her uncle, challenging their conviction and sentencing. The appeal also seeks suspension of their sentences during the pendency of the case.

The high court suspended the three-year sentence of Greeshma's uncle, Nirmala Kumaran Nair, who had been convicted for destruction of evidence. He is currently out on bail.

Death sentence

On January 20, the Neyyattinkara Additional District sessions court sentenced Greeshma to death for murdering her boyfriend, Sharon Raj.

The court described the act as "extremely brutal, gruesome, and revolting," shocking the collective conscience of society.

According to the prosecution, Greeshma lured Raj to her house in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district on October 14, 2022. She allegedly served him an ayurvedic tonic laced with paraquat, a herbicide. Raj, 23, succumbed to multiple organ failure on October 25, 2022.

Jurisdiction and fair trial concerns

In her appeal, Greeshma argued that the sessions court's judgment was "against facts, evidence, and law," claiming it did not have jurisdiction, as the crime occurred within Tamil Nadu's Palukal police station limits.

She further alleged a "vilification campaign" and undue pressure on the court, denying her a fair trial. Her plea also claimed that there was no scientific evidence proving that Raj died from poisoning.

The prosecution maintained that Greeshma plotted the murder after Raj refused to end their relationship, despite her marriage being arranged with an army man from Nagercoil.

The high court will hear the case on February 19.