Shocking jail privileges for Karanavar murder accused Sherin: Makeup, mobile, secret outings

Thrissur: In a shocking revelation, Sunitha, a fellow inmate, has accused Sherin, the first accused in the Bhaskara Karanavar murder case, of receiving special treatment while imprisoned at Attukulangara jail. Sunitha claims that Sherin enjoyed VIP privileges, including access to a mobile phone, a mirror, and a makeup set while serving her sentence. This came shortly after the Cabinet recommended relaxation for Sherin.

According to Sunitha, she and Sherin were housed together in the Attukulangara women's jail starting in 2013, with Sherin residing in the cell next to hers. Sunitha alleged that Sherin received many special privileges, such as her own clothes and a mobile phone. She also claimed that Sherin was often taken out of her cell after 7 pm, returning only after two hours.

“Sherin didn’t have to stand in line for food. The prison staff would buy food from outside for her three times a day. She also had her mobile phone. Unlike other prisoners, she was not required to wear the prison uniform, she was also provided with makeup items” Sunitha said. 

Prisoners are given mats, pillows and a drinking vessel. However, Sherin experienced VIP treatment. “A bed, a separate pillow, and several clothes. She also had a mirror, and makeup items worth thousands of rupees.”

Despite filing multiple complaints with the prison superintendent about the special treatment, Sunitha claims no action was taken. Later, when Bindhya Thomas, an accused in the Kochi Blue blackmailing case, joined the prison, Sunitha claims Sherin’s phone was given to Bindhya. When she raised a complaint, no action was taken, leading Sunitha to file a complaint in the prison’s complaint box. Instead superintendent and the prison DIG Pradeep questioned and threatened her.

She further alleged that DIG Pradeep was complicit in the preferential treatment. "Pradeep sir would visit Sherin at least once a week in the evening. Sherin would be taken out of her lockup after 7 pm, returning after about 1.5-2 hours,” Sunitha revealed.

“After I was released on bail, I filed a formal complaint with the then-DGP, Senkumar, providing all the details,” Sunitha added. “In response, I received a notice accusing me of insulting the inmates of Attukulangara prison. I was told that action would be taken against me.”

Using the Right to Information (RTI) Act, Sunitha found that Sherin, who faced charges of murder and robbery, had been granted parole within a year. “Parole is generally restricted for individuals with such serious charges, yet Sherin was granted parole. I raised this concern through an RTI query, and as a result, two prison officials were transferred for providing special privileges to Sherin.”

However, Sunitha claimed that these actions were only temporary. “When I inquired further under RTI, I learned that Sherin was transferred from Attukulangara to Viyyur,” Sunitha said.

She also pointed out the disparity in treatment between Sherin and other long-term female inmates. “There are several female prisoners who have been in jail for over 20 years, some of whom are blind. None of them have received the same relief. I have no objection to Sherin being released, but others have been in jail for far longer, and they should be given relief too,” Sunitha added.