In a landmark ruling, a Kerala court has sentenced 24-year-old Greeshma S. to death for the premeditated murder of her boyfriend, Sharon Raj, who died after ingesting pesticide-laced juice in October 2022. Greeshma conspired to kill Sharon after he refused her request to end their relationship, as she was engaged to another man. The court deemed the crime “rarest of the rare,” highlighting Greeshma’s betrayal and meticulous planning.
Following the verdict, Sharon’s family expressed relief and a sense of justice, while the case has ignited discussions on youth accountability and the dynamics of romantic relationships.
Chilling Betrayal: The Court’s Verdict
On January 20, 2025, the Neyyattinkara Additional Sessions Court delivered a historic verdict, sentencing Greeshma to death for the calculated murder of her boyfriend, Sharon Raj, aged 23. Judge Basheer A.M. described the crime as one that involved significant premeditation and emotional manipulation. The court established that Greeshma had lured Sharon under false pretenses, inviting him for what he believed would be a reconciliatory meeting. Instead, she served him a drink laced with Paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide known for its lethal effects.
During the trial, prosecutors presented compelling evidence that included toxicology reports confirming the presence of Paraquat in Sharon’s bloodstream and testimonies from friends and family who detailed Greeshma’s increasingly erratic behaviour leading up to the murder. The judge emphasized that Greeshma’s youth could not serve as a mitigating factor in her sentencing, as her actions demonstrated a profound breach of trust and moral responsibility.
A Tragic Timeline: Events Leading Up to the Murder
The tragic events began on October 14, 2022, when Greeshma invited Sharon to meet her at her home in Thiruvananthapuram. At that time, she was engaged to another man from Tamil Nadu but had been romantically involved with Sharon for several years. As their relationship progressed, Greeshma reportedly felt trapped and sought to sever ties with Sharon without considering the emotional ramifications of her decision.
Despite her intentions to end their relationship, Sharon was resistant to the idea and expressed his desire to continue their connection. This refusal led Greeshma to plot his murder as a means of escaping what she perceived as an untenable situation. After serving him the poisoned drink, she attempted to mislead investigators by portraying herself as a distraught partner who had lost her boyfriend unexpectedly. However, her inconsistencies in statements and suspicious behaviour ultimately led authorities to uncover her involvement in the crime.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case underscores a critical need for societal reflection on issues surrounding youth accountability and emotional manipulation in relationships. While justice has been served in this instance, it raises questions about how we can foster healthier dialogues around relationships and conflict resolution among young people.
As we navigate these complex issues, how can we ensure that future generations are equipped with the tools for empathy and understanding rather than resorting to violence?
