Thiruvananthapuram: In a landmark judgment, the Neyyattinkara Additional Sessions Court on Monday sentenced SS Greeshma (24) to death for the murder of her boyfriend, Sharon Raj (23), whom she poisoned using a pesticide-laced ayurvedic tonic. Greeshma’s uncle, Nirmalakumaran Nair, who was involved in destroying evidence, was handed a three-year prison term.
The court remarked that Greeshma’s failure to realize she was carrying incriminating evidence from the day of the crime ultimately led to her conviction. Complimenting the police for their thorough investigation and reliance on forensic evidence, the court noted, “Even on his deathbed, Sharon trusted Greeshma and wished for her not to be punished.”
Greeshma was convicted under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 302 for murder, while her uncle was convicted under Section 201 for evidence tampering. The prosecution emphasized Greeshma’s cruel intent, highlighting how she plotted Sharon’s murder while continuing their romantic relationship.
The case dates back to October 2022, when Sharon was invited to Greeshma’s house in Tamil Nadu. There, he consumed a toxic ayurvedic concoction laced with paraquat, a deadly herbicide. Succumbing to multiple organ failure, Sharon passed away on October 25, 2022. Earlier, Greeshma had unsuccessfully attempted to poison him by spiking fruit juice with paracetamol tablets.
While the defence pleaded for leniency, citing Greeshma’s young age, academic accomplishments, and lack of prior offenses, the prosecution pushed for capital punishment, arguing that her manipulative actions undermined trust in relationships.
The 586-page verdict underscores the importance of justice in deterring such heinous crimes and restoring faith in law enforcement and judicial processes.
