Woman convict awaiting early release gets charged in assault

Sherin, serving a life sentence for the 2009 murder of her father-in-law, Bhaskara Karanavar, has been implicated in a fresh incident within the confines of Kannur Women's Prison. Authorities have registered a case against Sherin and another inmate, Shabna, following allegations of an assault on Julie, a Nigerian national incarcerated at the same facility.
The altercation reportedly occurred at approximately 7:45 am on 24 February 2025. According to the complaint lodged, Julie was en route to collect drinking water when she was confronted by Sherin and Shabna. The confrontation escalated, resulting in Sherin allegedly pushing Julie, while Shabna is accused of verbally abusing her. In response to the complaint, the Kannur Town Police have filed a First Information Report against both Sherin and Shabna under sections pertaining to obscene acts and causing harm.
This incident emerges amidst ongoing discussions regarding Sherin's potential early release. The Kerala Cabinet had recently recommended the remission of her remaining sentence, a proposal that has ignited considerable debate. Critics question the rationale behind prioritizing Sherin's release over other long-serving prisoners, some of whom are reportedly suffering from serious ailments. The law department supported the recommendation, noting that the original verdict did not explicitly mandate life imprisonment without the possibility of release.
Sherin's incarceration stems from the high-profile murder of 66-year-old Bhaskara Karanavar in November 2009. Investigations revealed that Sherin, motivated by financial gain and a desire to continue an extramarital affair, conspired with her lover, Basith Ali, and his associates to execute the crime. The Mavelikkara Fast Track Court convicted Sherin and her co-accused in June 2010, sentencing her to a triple life term, while the others received double life terms. These verdicts were subsequently upheld by both the High Court and the Supreme Court.
During her imprisonment, Sherin has been granted a total of 444 days of leave—345 days of ordinary leave and 92 days of emergency leave, with an additional seven days allocated for travel. Officials have stated that these leaves were sanctioned in accordance with existing regulations, and no violations have been reported in this context. Open URL