Sherin’s remission likely to be delayed; high-handedness alleged in granting parole

Thiruvananthapuram: Since granting remission to Sherin, the convict in the Bhaskara Karanavar murder case, is likely to be delayed, the state government has expedited steps to grant her parole. Just like the alleged high-level influence behind the remission, the parole too was facilitated through intervention at the top levels of the government.

The parole is for 15 days starting from April 5, with an additional three days allowed for travel. The cabinet’s earlier decision to release Sherin through remission had sparked a controversy. Allegations were raised that the file recommending remission moved forward following the interest of a particular minister.

Within her 14-year prison term, Sherin has already received parole for a total of 500 days. Although granting parole during the election model code of conduct period is prohibited, she was initially given a 30-day parole which was later extended by another 30 days.

The jail advisory committee had recommended remission citing her good conduct in prison. However, shortly after the cabinet decided to grant her remission, she was booked by the police for allegedly assaulting a fellow inmate at the Kannur jail — a move seen as a setback for her release.

More details also emerged about her being granted extended parole and the problems she caused with other inmates, which led to her being transferred to another jail. Besides this, fellow inmates too came forward revealing the special privileges she enjoyed in jail and the preferential treatment she received from high-ranking officials.

Complaints were also submitted to the Governor opposing Sherin’s release. Although the file, based on the cabinet decision, reached the Raj Bhavan, the Governor sought legal advice, delaying the final decision. It was this delay that led to high-level pressure to release her on parole.

It was in 2010 that Sherin was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering Bhaskara Karanavar — her father-in-law from Chengannur — in order to live with her lover. Her lover, Basith Ali, was also sentenced to life. While he was shifted to an open prison due to good conduct, he has not yet been included in the release list.

In a similar case in Kollam, the government also decided to release Bineetha, a convict who poisoned her husband with the help of her lover. This recommendation too is currently under the Governor’s consideration.