Crime of burning 17-year-old Sharika to death in Pathanamthitta; accused sentenced to life imprisonment

PATHANAMTHITTA: The accused in the case of setting a 17-year-old girl on fire by pouring petrol has been sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2 lakh. The victim was Sharika, a native of Kadammanitta. The accused was Sajil, who was a neighbour and male friend. Sharika was set on fire for refusing to go out with Sajil. The punishment was handed down by the Pathanamthitta Additional Sessions Court. The fine should be paid to Sharika's parents.

Prosecutor Harishankar said that the court considered Sharika's deathbed statement and the burns sustained by the accused during the murder as key evidence in the case. He also responded that the girl's family got justice.

Sharika was attacked by Sajil on the evening of July 14, 2017. Unable to bear Sajil's harassment, Sharika had moved to her relatives' house. When Sajil arrived here, he asked Sharika to come with him. After she refused, Sharika was set on fire in front of her grandfather by pouring petrol on her.

Sharika, who was seriously injured, was first admitted to Pathanamthitta General Hospital and then to Kottayam Medical College Hospital. She was later airlifted to a hospital in Coimbatore for specialist treatment. The girl died on July 22 while undergoing treatment there.