On July 30, 2025, a 38‑year‑old man from Kothamangalam, Kerala, was admitted to a hospital with suspected poisoning and died the next night, July 31. Kerala police recovered a bottle of paraquat—a highly toxic herbicide—at the deceased’s residence. According to investigators, the bottle is linked to his 30‑year‑old female friend, who is currently in custody and suspected of administering the poison. The case, initially registered under attempted murder provisions, will be re‑registered as murder following his death.
What Is Paraquat and Why Is It Dangerous?
Paraquat dichloride is a potent, fast‑acting herbicide used to kill weeds. Though banned in over 70 countries, including the EU and China, it is still legally available in India. The WHO classifies it as moderately hazardous, but ingestion of even a small amount—just a few milliliters—can be fatal. One “sip” may cause irreversible multi‑organ damage, especially to the lungs, liver, and kidneys.
The Tamil Nadu Precursor: The Murder of Sharon Raj by Greeshma
Almost three years earlier, a similar case made headlines: the Sharon Raj murder in Parassala, Thiruvananthapuram district. On October 14, 2022, Greeshma, then aged 23, allegedly lured her boyfriend Sharon Raj to her house in Tamil Nadu and served him an ayurvedic tonic laced with paraquat. Sharon survived for 11 days, dying of multiple organ failure on October 25. The court found that Greeshma had tried poisoning him earlier via juiced paracetamol, and upon refusal he made a “dying declaration” informing family members about suspected poison adminstration .
Legal Outcome
In January 2025, the Neyyattinkara Additional District Sessions Court sentenced Greeshma to death for murder, calling the crime “rarest of rare,” and imposed a few years’ imprisonment on her uncle for destruction of evidence (her mother was acquitted) . Greeshma has since filed an appeal at the Kerala High Court, challenging jurisdiction and claiming lack of scientific evidence, fair trial issues, and alleged vilification.
Evidence in the Sharon Case
The prosecution relied on:
- Chemical analysis identifying paraquat in the bottle recovered (“kapiq” brand containing ~24 % paraquat dichloride) .
- Medical testimony from multiple doctors confirming signs consistent with ingestion: mucositis, acute lung injury, liver and renal failure, ulceration in mouth and lips—consistent with paraquat poisoning, especially given that ~90% of paraquat is excreted within 24 hours .
- Digital evidence: timestamps, phone‑calls, files from hard disks and cloud storage linking Greeshma’s planning, and a prior poisoning attempt video.
- Experts testified that ingestion of as little as 10–20 ml of a paraquat concentrate (the “fatal dose”) is enough to kill. Postmortem revealed lung hemorrhages, kidney tubular necrosis, liver changes—all pointing to paraquat‑mediated multi‑organ failure. Combined digital, medical and chemical evidence formed a tightly circumstantial mosaic proving intent and administration with knowledge of its lethal nature
Implications & Reflection
Pattern and Modus Operandi
- Both cases involved paraquat poisoning via an apparently benign herbal tonic.
- The victims experienced prolonged suffering, not quick death.
- Toxicology experts emphasized difficulties in detecting paraquat in bodily fluids if not tested within 24 hours.
- Digital trails and forensic recovery played a crucial role in establishing pre-meditation and concealment.
Legal & Regulatory Lessons
- These tragedies highlight the need for strict controls on toxic herbicides like paraquat, especially in domestic settings.
- Policymakers may consider banning or limiting sales or enforcing secure, tracked distribution in agricultural markets.
Behavioral and Social Dimensions
- Greeshma’s motivation reportedly stemmed from emotional distress after her fiancé refused to end their relationship and familial pressure due to arranged marriage.
- These are sobering reminders of how intimate betrayal, emotional turmoil, and access to lethal chemicals can escalate into violent crimes.
What to Watch in the Ongoing Kothamangalam Case
- Autopsy and toxicology: confirmation that paraquat was indeed consumed and caused death.
- Digital records: communications, searches, possible prior attempts.
- Medical records: symptoms matching paraquat exposure (e.g. mouth ulcers, organ damage).
- Motive and planning: was there intent? Warnings? Threats?
Only after all these elements are examined can the case proceed from suspicion to conviction. If it parallels the Sharon Raj case in depth and clarity of evidence, prosecution may be able to seek similarly severe sentencing.
IGNOU Admission 2025: July Session Last Date Extended Again