Government move to remit life sentence of murder convict sparks controversy
The Hindu
State Cabinet recommends life sentence remission for Sherin in Bhaskara Karanavar murder case, sparking controversy and criticism.
The State Cabinet’s decision to recommend to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to remit the life sentence of Sherin, the prime convict in the Bhaskara Karanavar murder case, has raised some eyebrows.
Karanavar, 66, a U.S. returnee, was found murdered at his house at Cheriyanad, near Chengannur, on November 8, 2009. In June 2010, the Mavelikara Additional Sessions Fast Track (ad-hoc) Court sentenced Sherin, Karanavar’s daughter-in-law, along with three of her friends — Basith Ali, Nidhin and Shanu Rashid — to life imprisonment.
Sherin, the wife of Karanavar’s second son Binu, was awarded life imprisonment on three counts, including those for murder, abetment and conspiracy. The Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court later upheld the life sentences of all four convicts in the case.
The Cabinet’s move has drawn strong criticism from Karanavar’s relatives and local residents. “The government is sending a wrong message by recommending a sentence remission for a murder convict. Sherin is being given special consideration, while the three other convicts remain in prison. What justifies this privilege? We suspect she has influential backing. We hope the Governor will make a fair decision after considering all aspects,” says Anil Onampilly, a close relative of Karanavar and the first witness in the case.
Karanavar’s relatives also pointed out that Sherin had been granted parole for over 500 days in the last 14 years while serving her life sentence.
Sherin, an orphan, married Binu in 2001. He was reportedly a differently abled person. When Karanavar learned about Sherin’s infidelity, he revoked a property will that had named Binu, Sherin and the couple’s daughter as beneficiaries. The removal of her name from the will, according to the prosecution, led to the murder.
Karanavar’s three children — two sons, including Binu, and a daughter — currently live abroad.
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