The Kerala High Court on Thursday called for a thorough review of the conviction and death sentence of 24-year-old Greeshma, who was found guilty of the sensational murder of her boyfriend in 2022. The bench, comprising Justices P B Suresh Kumar and Jobin Sebastian, also sought the state’s response to the appeals filed by Greeshma and her uncle, both contesting their convictions and sentences.
Greeshma received a death sentence from the Neyyattinkara Additional District Sessions Court on January 20 for the murder of Sharon Raj, describing the killing as “extremely brutal, gruesome, diabolical, and revolting.” The court claimed it shocked the collective conscience of the community. Her uncle, Nirmala Kumaran Nair, who received a three-year jail term for destruction of evidence, has already had his sentence suspended and is currently out on bail.
In their joint appeal, Greeshma contests the jurisdiction of the Neyyattinkara sessions court, arguing that the crime occurred within the Palukal police station’s jurisdiction in Tamil Nadu, not Kerala. She also challenges the court’s findings regarding the circumstances of the meeting between her and Raj, stating that there was no enticement involved as Raj came to her house of his own volition.
The appeal highlights concerns about the fairness of her trial, citing a “clear vilification campaign” against her from the start of the investigation, which might have pressured the court to deliver a harsh verdict and sentence. Moreover, Greeshma’s defense argues that there was no scientific evidence to prove that Raj died due to poisoning, as claimed by the prosecution.
According to prosecutors, Raj was poisoned with an ayurvedic tonic laced with paraquat, a herbicide, after being lured to Greeshma’s house in Ramavarmanchirai, Kanyakumari district, on October 14, 2022. He succumbed to multiple organ failure on October 25, 2022. The motive behind the murder, as presented by the prosecution, was Greeshma’s desire to end the relationship after Raj refused to do so, despite her impending marriage to another man.
