Greeshma, a 24-year-old woman from Kerala, has made headlines as the youngest woman in the state to receive the death penalty. Her conviction for the murder of her boyfriend, Sharon Raj, using paraquat poison has shocked the state and sparked discussions about crime and punishment in Kerala.
A Fatal Love Story: Sharon And Greeshma
Greeshma and Sharon’s relationship began in October 2021, when they met during a bus ride to college. Their bond quickly grew, and they secretly exchanged rings, even getting married at Vettukadu Church. However, Greeshma’s family arranged her marriage to a man in the Army, scheduled for March 2022. When Sharon refused to end their relationship, tensions escalated.
Greeshma’s Role in Sharon’s Death
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.
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.
The Investigation and Trial
The case’s investigation was praised for its meticulous gathering of circumstantial evidence, as there were no direct eyewitnesses. The chargesheet detailed how Greeshma’s actions were premeditated, citing her belief in a fortune-teller’s prediction that her first husband would die. The Neyyattinkara Sessions Court sentenced her to death, rejecting arguments about her young age and lack of a criminal record. Her uncle, Nirmalakumaran Nair, received a three-year prison term for his involvement, while her mother, Sindhu, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
Death Penalty in Kerala
Greeshma is only the third woman in Kerala to be sentenced to death. The first was Binitha in 2006 for her role in the murder of Vidhukumaran Thampi, though her sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. The second was Rafeeka Beevi, convicted in 2024 for the murder of an elderly woman, Santhakumari, to steal gold ornaments. Currently, 40 people, including Greeshma, await the death penalty in Kerala.
The Role of Social Media
The case also brought attention to social media’s role in modern relationships. Greeshma and Sharon frequently shared their lives on Instagram, portraying a picture-perfect romance. However, the stark contrast between their online personas and the tragic reality has left many questioning the impact of curated digital lives.
Comparisons to Jolly Joseph
The case has drawn parallels to Jolly Joseph, a Kerala woman convicted of multiple murders using cyanide. Like Jolly, Greeshma’s crime involved calculated planning and betrayal of trust, sparking fears about how such heinous acts can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Greeshma’s Family and Future
The case has cast a shadow over Greeshma’s family. Her parents, who were initially suspects, have faced social ostracism despite Sindhu’s acquittal. The court’s decision has ignited debates about whether the death penalty is an appropriate punishment, particularly for young offenders.
A Lesson for Society
Greeshma’s crime serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of deception and the importance of addressing relationship conflicts constructively. As the state comes to terms with this tragic event, the hope is that such incidents can be prevented through better communication, education, and awareness about toxic relationships and their potential consequences.
