The Vidhukumaran Thampy murder case remains one of the most sensational and complex criminal cases in Kerala’s history. It involves betrayal, calculated planning, and a tragic end. This article delves into the details of the case and its broader implications.
Death Penalty for Accused in Vidhukumaran Thampy Murder Case
In a landmark judgment, the Kollam District Sessions Court sentenced Vidhukumaran Thampy’s wife, Binitha Kumari (35), and her lover, Raju, to death for their roles in the murder. Judge Francis pronounced the verdict, marking a grim milestone in Kerala’s judicial history.
Case Highlights:
- Victim: Vidhukumaran Thampy, a shop owner near the Thiruvananthapuram army camp.
- Accused: Binitha Kumari (wife of the victim) and Raju (a nurse at the army camp).
- Incident Details: The crime occurred in 2000. Binitha and Raju drugged Thampy at their respective homes in Mundakkale (Kollam) and Kumarapuram (Thiruvananthapuram) using an overdose of sedatives. They then transported his body in the trunk of a car and disposed of it in Kokka, near Ooty.
Binitha and Raju’s relationship, which started near the Pangod army camp where they ran a shop, turned into a conspiracy to eliminate Thampy. This crime shocked the state and drew widespread media attention.
Women and the Death Penalty in Kerala
The case involving Binitha Kumari is not the only instance of women being sentenced to death in Kerala. Here is a list of prominent cases where women received capital punishment:
- Binitha Kumari:
- Case: Vidhukumaran Thampy murder case.
- Verdict: Sentenced to death in 2006 by the Kollam District Sessions Court; later commuted to life imprisonment by a higher court.
- Current Status: Serving life imprisonment in Attakkulangara Jail.
- Rafeeqa Beevi:
- Case: Shantha Kumari murder case.
- Verdict: Sentenced to death by the Neyyattinkara Additional Sessions Court.
- Greeshma:
- Case: In October 2022, Greeshma laced a herbal decoction with paraquat and gave it to Sharon, followed by juice to mask the taste. Soon after consuming the drink, Sharon began vomiting uncontrollably. Though he sought treatment at Parassala General Hospital, his condition worsened. Within days, his vital organs—kidneys, liver, and lungs—failed, leading to his death.
- Verdict: The court praised investigators for piecing together evidence in a case with no eyewitnesses. A 586-page judgment highlighted Greeshma’s calculated actions, noting that Sharon’s murder was unprovoked and planned.
Historical Context of Executions in Kerala
Kerala has a history of awarding capital punishment for heinous crimes. Some notable points include:
- Ripper Chandran (1991): Executed in Kannur Central Jail for murdering 14 people with a hammer.
- Azhakesan of Kaliyakkavilai (1979): Executed for the murder of children in a witchcraft case.
Currently, 55 individuals are awaiting execution in Kerala, with 25 of them incarcerated in the Poojappura Central Jail.
Social and Legal Implications
The sentencing of women to death raises significant ethical, social, and legal questions. These cases underline the importance of stringent laws to deter crime while also emphasizing the need for a fair judicial process.
Conclusion
The Vidhukumaran Thampy murder case and subsequent sentencing of Binitha Kumari to death underscore the extreme consequences of betrayal and crime. It also highlights the evolving role of women in the criminal justice system, both as perpetrators and as individuals facing the harshest of penalties. As Kerala continues to grapple with such cases, the state’s judicial history evolves, reflecting the complexities of justice and societal expectations.
