Pinarayi Vijayan Faces Criticism Over Recommendation to Reduce Sentence of Murder Convict

Synopsis

A controversy has emerged in Kerala as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar to commute the sentence of a murder convict, Sherin, who was convicted for the murder of her father-in-law. The situation has raised significant public concern and scrutiny.

Key Takeaways

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recommended commuting a murder convict's sentence.
The convict, Sherin, was sentenced to life for murdering her father-in-law in 2009.
Concerns have been raised regarding Sherin’s prison conduct.
Allegations suggest political backing for Sherin’s appeal.
Families of victims are seeking justice through legal channels.

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 29 (NationPress) A significant controversy has arisen in Kerala as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar to consider commuting the sentence of a murder convict.

The convict, Sherin, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of her father-in-law in 2009.

Sherin, the principal accused, along with two accomplices, has been serving a life sentence in the infamous Karanavar murder case since 2010.

Nevertheless, the office of Pinarayi Vijayan, who also oversees the Home Ministry, clarified that the recommendation was based on advice from the Advisory Committee and the Law Department.

Reports suggest that a prominent political figure is backing the expedited review of Sherin’s plea for sentence reduction.

Under the regulations for remission, the inmate must demonstrate exemplary behavior, special circumstances, or meet specific legal criteria. However, Sherin’s conduct in prison has garnered negative attention, leading to her transfer between various facilities.

It has been reported that she received significant concessions, particularly regarding parole. Notably, there are other inmates who have served over 20 years without being considered for such privileges, raising questions about the preferential treatment Sherin has received.

Media analyst S. Jayasankar expressed confusion over the benefits afforded to a prisoner with such a troubling history. “A State Minister is allegedly supporting her. The family of Karanavar can appeal to the judiciary, the Governor, or the state government to voice their dissent,” said Jayasankar.

A relative of Karanavar, K. Anil, voiced their distress over the situation. “It’s disheartening that even a state minister is backing and assisting a criminal,” remarked Anil.

Sherin’s father-in-law, Bhaskara Karanavar (65), had returned from the U.S. and was residing with his son and daughter-in-law Sherin in Chengannur, located in the Alappuzha district.

In November 2009, he was discovered murdered at his home, and subsequent investigations led police to identify Sherin and her lover as the primary suspects.

Despite her appeals against the ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s decision, sentencing her and her accomplice to life imprisonment.