Kerala court convicts Greeshma for Sharon's murder, mother acquitted

Synopsis
A court in Thiruvananthapuram has convicted Greeshma for the murder of her lover Sharon Raj by poisoning him. The incident occurred on October 14, 2022, and after a lengthy battle for life, Sharon succumbed to his injuries. Greeshma's mother was acquitted in the case.
Key Takeaways
- Greeshma found guilty of murder
- Victim Sharon Raj died after poisoning
- Mother acquitted, uncle convicted
- Upcoming sentencing on Saturday
- Public interest in the case remains high
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 17 (NationPress) A local court in the Kerala capital, Thiruvananthapuram, on Friday found Greeshma, a young woman, guilty of the murder of her lover Sharon Raj by administering a poisonous substance mixed into an ayurvedic remedy on October 14, 2022.
Sharon succumbed to the effects of the poisoning after a struggle lasting 11 days on October 25, 2022. While Greeshma's mother, the second accused, was found not guilty, her uncle was convicted alongside her.
The court plans to announce the sentences for both Greeshma and her uncle on Saturday.
In response to the ruling, Sharon Raj's parents expressed relief at Greeshma's conviction, though they questioned the decision to acquit her mother.
“We were confident that she (Greeshma) would receive a fitting punishment. Nevertheless, we will await the sentencing and then challenge the acquittal of her mother in the High Court,” said Sharon's parents, visibly emotional.
Sharon's mourning mother called for the harshest penalty for Greeshma, stating, “She took our son’s life, who was our everything.”
Greeshma and Sharon were once close friends, but their relationship soured when Greeshma became engaged to another man. Evidence presented in court indicated that she sought to end her relationship with Sharon, influenced by an astrological prediction suggesting her first husband would die, thereby facilitating a peaceful second marriage.
WhatsApp conversations highlighted her belief in this prediction, which Sharon allegedly attempted to refute. Relatives claim that he married Greeshma at Vettukadu Church and even applied 'sindoor' on her forehead in a ceremonial gesture.
Sharon Raj’s family accused the Parasala Police of initially attempting to obstruct the investigation, despite their claims of a premeditated murder.
Another turn in the case occurred when Greeshma attempted suicide by ingesting disinfectant while in police custody. This incident transpired just before the evidence gathering phase, but police intervention prevented her death. She now faces a separate case for this attempt.
Throughout the trial, Greeshma consistently denied any wrongdoing, despite substantial evidence presented by the police.
The case has garnered significant public interest, with many awaiting the forthcoming sentencing on Saturday to determine the justice meted out in this tragic incident.