Sharon Raj murder case in Kerala: Greeshma, uncle found guilty

Sharon succumbed to multiple organ failure on October 25, 2022, eleven days after ingesting the poison, which severely damaged his kidney, liver and lungs. (image for representation)
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Greeshma was convicted under Sections 302 (murder), 328 (causing harm to a person using poison or other harmful substances), 364 (kidnapping or abducting in order to murder) and 201 (destruction of evidence, or providing false information to protect an offender from legal punishment) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The court also found her uncle Nirmalakumaran Nair, the third accused, guilty under Section 201 of the IPC. However, Greeshma’s mother, Sindhu, the second accused, was acquitted as the prosecution failed to prove the charge against her.

Judge A.M. Basheer, who delivered the verdict, is expected to pronounce the quantum of sentences on Saturday.

Murder plot

According to the prosecution led by special public prosecutor V.S. Vineeth Kumar, Greeshma had lured Sharon Raj to her house at Ramavarmanchirai, Kannyakumari, and poisoned him with a lethal mix of paraquat, a potent herbicide, and an Ayurvedic tonic on October 14, 2022. Greeshma had plotted the murder after Sharon refused to end their relationship, despite her marriage being formalised with an army man from Nagercoil.

Sharon succumbed to multiple organ failure on October 25, 2022, eleven days after ingesting the poison, which severely damaged his kidney, liver and lungs.

Before this, Greeshma had made other attempts, including a “juice challenge”, where she offered Sharon mango juice mixed with several paracetamol tablets. The plan failed when Sharon, put off by the bitter taste, spit out the drink. The prosecution primarily relied on scientific and circumstantial evidence to prove the crime.

Sharon’s parents, Jayaraj and Priya, expressed satisfaction that Greeshma’s crime had been proven. However, they were disappointed with the acquittal of Sindhu whom they believed was equally responsible for their son’s death.

The family stated they would consult with the prosecution to appeal the verdict.