Daijiworld Media Network

Mumbai, Jul 1: Maria Susairaj, the Kannada actor from Bangalore accused in television executive Neeraj Grover's murder case is expected to walk free on Friday, July 1 when the Mumbai session court announced the quantum of punishment.

The court is likely to give a three-year term for Maria, but as she has been in jail for the last three years, she might be let free.

Maria was arrested along with her boyfriend Jerome three years ago in a barbaric murder case which had shocked the nation. Grover's body was found in a bag in Mumbai suburb, chopped into pieces and burnt.

Grover's family had expected strigent punishment to both Maria and Jerome, but they are hugely disappointed with the court verdict which said that 'the murder was not pre-planned'. Jerome was indicted for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and of destroying evidence.

Grover's father told one of the TV channels that he has lost the faith in the Indian judiciary, and was shocked to see the leniency shown towards the couple.

However, Jerome Mathew is expected to be given a life sentence of at least 10 years.