Sharon Raj Murder Case: Greeshma Gets Death Sentence for Poisoning

The Additional District Sessions Court in Thiruvananthapuram sentenced a 24-year-old woman, Greeshma, to death for the murder of 23-year-old Sharon Raj in October 2022. The court had reserved the sentencing for January 20 after convicting Greeshma on January 17. Her uncle, Nirmal Kumar, was sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment for being an accomplice and for attempting to destroy evidence. Greeshma’s mother, Sindhu, was acquitted by the court.

Court Terms it the ‘Rarest of Rare’ Crime Case

The Neyyattinkara Additional Sessions Court, in its judgment, declared the crime to be the “rarest of rare”. The court said that Greeshma’s act justified the maximum punishment for the crime. Even though she was a minor, her crime was so grave that could not go unpunished. Defense Greeshma, before this judgment, had also said she was a girl with a very promising academic career, and it would be the best opportunity to reform her. The court didn’t accept such an argument while ruling that crime is very grave.

The Crime and Investigation

Sharon Raj of Parassala in Thiruvananthapuram died of internal organ failure on 25 October 2022. Upon investigation into the death, it was found that Greeshma had poisoned him as he had refused to terminate the relationship with her. This happened when she had invited Sharon to her place in Ramavarmanchirai, Tamil Nadu, on 14 October. She had poisoned him by offering him an ayurvedic drink there.

Sharon began experiencing severe symptoms of poisoning shortly after leaving Greeshma’s house, including constant vomiting. His parents even contacted Greeshma, seeking information on what he had consumed to help him receive timely medical treatment. Sharon succumbed to the poison a few days later, leading to a thorough investigation.

Court’s Observations

The court condemned Greeshma’s action, stating that she betrayed a person who had loved her and sent a very harmful message to society. The court also lauded the investigation team for conducting an extremely intelligent and thorough probe, which helped bring justice to Sharon Raj. The case has caught much attention due to the extreme consequences of a failed relationship and the tragic lengths to which one individual went to end it.