The villa at Cheriyanad near Chengannur where Bhaskara Karanavar (inset) was murdered on November 8, 2009.
The villa at Cheriyanad near Chengannur where Bhaskara Karanavar (inset) was murdered on November 8, 2009.(Photo | Express)

Kerala government’s move to release Sherin in Bhaskara Karanavar murder case sparks controversy

The court awarded Sherin a triple life term and two life terms to the other accused on June 11, 2010.
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ALAPPUZHA: The state government’s move to expedite the release of Sherin, a convict in the controversial murder of Bhaskara Karanavar of Cheriyanad, following the completion of her 14-year jail term awarded by the Mavelikkara Fast Track Court, has raised suspicions.

Many are questioning why the government has only considered the release of Sherin, and not three others in jail in the same case, as a special case and recommended the same to the state governor.

The 66-year-old Karanavar was strangled to death on November 8, 2009. His daughter-in-law Sherin was the first accused. Sherin’s lover Basith Ali (Bibish), a native of Kottayam, friends Nidhin, from Kalamassery, Kochi, and Shanu Rashid, of Eloor, Kochi were also named accused.

The court awarded Sherin a triple life term and two life terms to the other accused on June 11, 2010. The High Court and Supreme Court confirmed the judgment.

Sherin is currently in Kannur jail. Her 14-year imprisonment ended last year and a Jail Advisory Committee meeting held in August 2024 recommended her release. On Tuesday, the state cabinet on its part recommended her release to the governor.

Anil Onampilly, the first witness who was Karanavar’s neighbour, sought to know why Sherin was being considered for release immediately after her jail term had ended. “Why is it when there are others incarcerated for the same crime that Sherin receives privileged treatment?” he asked.

“She even enjoyed preferential treatment in jail, which courted controversy. Now, the state cabinet is keen to have her released. We don’t know the intention behind the move. A minister in the cabinet is showing interest and this is the reason for moving for her release immediately after her jail term ended,” said Girish K P, a native of Cheriyanad.

“There are many convicts who remain in prison long after their terms have ended. However, the fast tracking of Sherin’s release raises questions. She enjoyed many benefits in prison even during her incarceration. She had more than 500 days of parole during the 14-year period,” Girish said.

Sherin’s illicit relations led to Karanavar’s murder. Karanavar was a wealthy man who had spent many years in the United States. He returned to his native town after retirement. His son Binu Peter was disabled and Sherin hailed from a poor family.

Their marriage was arranged in 2001 on the express understanding that she would look after Binu. But even after marriage, she maintained romantic relations with many youth through the social media platform Orkut. She befriended Basith and others in this manner. They regularly visited her home, which Karanavar opposed. After her relations with other men were exposed, he even had Sherin removed from his will.

In awarding the triple life term to Sherin, the court ruled that she would serve them as a single term. “The governor is now the deciding factor and the new governor is not familiar with the case. We believe that he would study the case before releasing her,” Anil said.

Karanavar’s villa remained abandoned for many years. All family members including Sherin’s husband and daughter are in the US. The house was rented out one year ago, residents said.

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