Thiruvananthapuram: The Neyyattinkara Additional Sessions Court on Monday sentenced SS Greeshma to death for the murder of her boyfriend, Sharon Raj (23), by poisoning him with a pesticide-laced ayurvedic decoction. Greeshma's uncle, Nirmalakumaran Nair, the third accused in the case, was sentenced to three years in prison. Greeshma's mother Sindhu, the second accused in the case was acquitted for want of evidence.

Sharon's parents, who expressed their satisfaction with the sentencing, extended their gratitude to the court. "My son has got the justice he deserves," his mother said.

"The accused did not realise that she had been carrying the evidence with her since the day of the crime," the court observed before pronouncing the sentence. The court also praised the police for their investigation, which was supported by forensic evidence.

"Greeshma betrayed Sharon's trust. Even on his deathbed, Sharon continued to love Greeshma and hoped she would not be punished," the court stated in its 586-page verdict.

The court upheld the prosecution's argument that Greeshma had attempted to kill Sharon while continuing their romantic relationship and that she had exhibited a cruel and heartless mindset.

"Sharon died due to internal organ failure. Greeshma's actions suggest that this was a premeditated murder," the court added.

The court also cited 48 pieces of circumstantial evidence against Greeshma and stated that there were no obstacles to awarding the maximum punishment to the accused.

"Greeshma's suicide attempt was a tactic to divert the investigation. She planned the murder in stages. Greeshma has a criminal background, and the juice challenge incident is evidence of her intent," the court concluded.

SS Greeshma (24), the first accused, and her uncle Nirmalakumaran Nair, the third accused, were found guilty by the court on Friday. Greeshma was convicted under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including murder (Section 302), while her uncle was convicted under Section 201 for destroying evidence.

Arguments on sentencing
Special Public Prosecutor VS Vineeth Kumar had sought the death penalty for Greeshma, arguing that her actions—luring Sharon with professed love—could undermine faith in the very concept of love.

However, the defence argued for leniency, claiming the murder was 'justifiable' because Sharon allegedly possessed intimate photos of Greeshma from when they were together. The investigating officer, however, clarified that no evidence was found to support the claims of blackmail.

The defence further cited Greeshma's young age, academic achievements, lack of a criminal history, and the fact that she is her parents' only daughter. They argued that capital punishment was unwarranted and that she deserved an opportunity for reformation and to rebuild her life.

Background of the case
According to the prosecution, Sharon Raj was lured to Greeshma’s house in Ramavarmanchirai, Tamil Nadu, on October 14, 2022, where he was given an ayurvedic tonic laced with paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide. He succumbed to multiple organ failure 11 days later, on October 25, 2022.

The prosecution argued that Greeshma plotted the murder after Sharon refused to end their relationship despite her arranged marriage to another man from Nagercoil. She had previously attempted to poison him by mixing paracetamol tablets into fruit juice, but the attempt failed when Sharon declined to drink it, citing its bitter taste.