Neeraj Grover case: Maria Susairaj walks out of jail

www.mangaloretoday.com

Mumbai, July 2, 2011: Small time Kannada actress-model Maria Susairaj walked out of Byculla jail on Saturday. Maria and her fiance Emile Jerome have been convicted in the Neeraj Grover murder case.

Clad in a floral brown kurta and black pants, the 30 year-old was escorted to a waiting car by a posse of policemen as there was a huge media presence outside the Byculla Jail.

The starlet was found guilty under IPC Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) and awarded the jail term yesterday along with boyfriend, former navy officer Emlie Jerome, who was held guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder in the macabre killing of the 25-year-old TV professional over three years ago.

While Maria was released, Jerome (28), awarded ten years imprisonment, will have to be behind bars for seven more years. The duo had been in jail for three years as undertrials.

Jerome was also sentenced to three years imprisonment for destruction of evidence. Both the sentences would run concurrently.

Both the accused were charged by the prosecution with murder, criminal conspiracy, common intention and causing disappearance of evidence.

Maria’s counsel Sharif Sheikh had contended that she had already served three years in jail, as provided under Section 201 of IPC, and "keeping her in jail for more days would be like illegal confinement".

Maintaining that she was not a habitual offender, Sheikh pleaded for lighter sentence considering her young age.

Absolving the couple of murder charge on Thursday, Sessions Court Judge N W Chandwani, while pronouncing the quantum of sentence yesterday, also ordered the two to together pay a fine of Rs 1.50 lakh, which is to be paid to the victim’s father.


Maria can harm us: Neeraj Grover’s mother
Neelam Grover, mother of Neeraj Grover, says that she fears a threat to her life from Kannada actress Maria Susairaj, who was released from jail on Saturday after being acquitted in her son’s murder case. "I fear threat to my life. She can cause damage to us anytime after she has been released from the jail," Neelam Grover said.

"I wish she should not be allowed to move out of Mumbai in any condition. She is a liar, she can harm us and even hatch a conspiracy against us," she added.

Neeraj’s parents also objected to the "police security" provided to Susairaj when she emerged out of the jail.

"It’s surprising. A criminal is enjoying police protection. Now who is going to protect the common man," asked Neeraj’s father Amarnath Grover.

"Though I am ready to hear her (Maria) if she wishes to make any point, but under any circumstances I would not approach her first," he added.


Maria Wanted
If reports are to be believed, a brush with reality television is next in line for Kannada actress Maria Susairaj, who has just walked free after the court didn’t charge her with murder in the sensational Neeraj Grover murder case. 

Just a day after filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma expressed his desire to make a movie with the actress on the controversial case, looks like reality TV has also come knocking on the actress’ door. Sources say that many production houses already have her down on their lists as top priority.

Bigg Boss, a reality show that boasts of controversial figures like Monica Bedi, Rahul Mahajan et al, also wants in on the action. The production houses are hoping to cash in on Maria’s post-acquittal weak financial situation. A source claims that Bigg Boss’ production company is all set to approach the actress with an offer of upto 5 crores.

Her family was unavailable for comment, but a spotlight-loving Maria would love a chance to clear her name in public. Watch this space for further updates.