Man convicted in pharmacist’s murder case

KANNUR: A court in Kerala convicted M Shyamjit, 27, for the brutal murder of Vishnupriya, a 21-year-old pharmacist, at her residence at Vallyayi, Panur, in October 2022.

Thalassery Additional District Sessions Court Judge AV Mridula found the jilted lover guilty on various counts on Friday and the sentencing is scheduled for Monday, May 13.

According to the Public Prosecutor K Ajith Kumar, the motive behind the murder was Vishnupriya’s decision to end her friendship with Shyamjit and her new relationship with another man from Ponnani. When asked if he had any statement to make before the court, Shyamjit responded that he had nothing to say.

On the day of the tragedy, Vishnupriya, who was going to her workplace, returned home after hearing about the death of a close relative. When Shyamjit reached her house, she was alone there as

her parents had gone to the deceased relative’s house. Once the accused confirmed there was nobody else at home, he barged in through the front door and stabbed her multiple times.

Armed with a hammer and other weapons, the accused forced into Vishnupriya’s house.

At the time of the incident, the victim was on a video call with a male friend, and the 13-second footage captured during the call served as crucial evidence in the case. The prosecution also presented CCTV visuals of Shyamjit purchasing the weapons used in the crime.

The brutality of the crime came to light when the public prosecutor stated that the accused first struck Vishnupriya on the head with a hammer, and when she fell, he slit her throat. Even after her death, Shyamjit continued to stab her, resulting in 29 wounds on her body.

On Oct.22, 2022, Vishnupriya was discovered lying in a pool of blood at her home, with severe injuries to her throat, neck and hands. Shyamjit, a resident of nearby Manantheri, was apprehended by the police within hours of the gruesome murder.

Shyamjit faced charges under Indian Penal Code (IPC) 449 (House-trespass in order to commit offence) and 302 (Murder), with the prosecution anticipating a sentence of life

imprisonment for the convict. The trial in the case began on Sept.21, 2023. There are 73 witnesses in the case.

Police Inspector MP Azad investigated the case and submitted the chargesheet. As per the chargesheet, Vishnupriya ended her relationship with Shyamjit after a quarrel.

This incident pushed the accused to commit the crime, police say.

Shyamjit had expressed no remorse even after his arrest.