Follow TNM’s WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwananth Arlekar has granted permission to remit the life sentence of 11 convicts including Sherin, the first accused in the Bhaskara Karanavar murder case. This early release has been issued on family and humanitarian grounds.
Sherin was sentenced to life imprisonment after the muder of her father-in-law, Bhaskara Karanavar (65), in 2010. When Karanavar found out about her extramarital affairs and other dubious financial dealings, he was strangled to death in his sleep by Sherin. In addition to Sherin, Basith Ali, Nithin alias Unni, and Shanu Rasheed were also given life sentences by the court in this case.
The ten other inmates who have been released had been found guilty in two different episodes of drunken violence and endangering the lives of family members and neighbours. There are five prisoners in each of the instances from Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram, respectively.
The state government’s decision for remissions came after the Law Department's suggestions and the proposal of the Advisory Committee, which convened at the Kannur Women's Prison and Correctional Home on August 8, 2024. Sherin’s release was granted after the state government thoroughly resubmitted the remission application in response to Raj Bhavan's earlier concerns. In the past, Sherin's early release caused controversy, leading the governor's office to call for greater transparency and clarity in the remission procedure.
Raj Bhavan then brought in a comprehensive assessment form for every prisoner, analysing their offence, sentence, parole history, and behaviour while incarcerated. After completing the updated form, the state government resubmitted their suggestion. The only prisoners eligible for remission and parole are those who have served at least 14 years of their life sentence.
Earlier, Sherin became the first woman in the state to obtain parole among female prisoners serving life imprisonment sentences. However, her prison record remains contentious due to frequent paroles and scuffles with fellow inmates in jail.