Govt move to expedite Sherin's release from jail raises questions

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.

- BIJU E PAUL @ Alappuzha

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.