Family seeks harsher punishment as prosecution plans appeal for death penalty in shocking hospital killing
Court Awards Life Term for Brutal Hospital Murder
In a significant verdict, the Kollam Additional District and Sessions Court in Kollam sentenced G Sandeep to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of Dr Vandana Das, a young house surgeon who was attacked inside a taluk hospital in May 2023.
The court also handed down 30 years of imprisonment for multiple offences, stating that the life sentence for murder will begin after completion of this term. The detailed judgment is still awaited.
Prosecution to Seek Death Penalty
The prosecution has expressed dissatisfaction with the quantum of punishment and is preparing to move an appeal for enhancement of the sentence to the death penalty.
Special Public Prosecutor Prathap G Padickal stated that although the prosecution had argued for maximum punishment, the court likely did not consider the case under the “rarest of rare” category, which is required for awarding capital punishment.
Family Demands Maximum Punishment
The victim’s family has also voiced concern over the verdict. While calling the judgment a partial relief, Dr Das’ father said it is difficult to say whether true justice has been delivered.
Her mother, visibly emotional, demanded the harshest possible punishment, recalling the brutality of the crime in which her daughter was stabbed 27 times. The family has indicated plans to pursue legal options for a stricter sentence.
Conviction Under Multiple Charges
On March 17, the court convicted Sandeep under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including murder, destruction of evidence, and wrongful restraint.
He was also found guilty under the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2012, highlighting the seriousness of violence against medical professionals.
How the Shocking Incident Unfolded
The tragic incident occurred on May 10, 2023, at the Kottarakkara taluk hospital in Kottarakkara. Sandeep, a school teacher, had been brought to the hospital by police for treatment of a leg injury following a dispute.
During treatment, he suddenly went on a violent rampage using surgical scissors. He first attacked police personnel and others present before turning on Dr Vandana Das, who was on duty and unable to escape.
Severely injured, she was rushed to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Victim: A Promising Young Doctor
Dr Vandana Das, a native of Kaduthuruthy, was the only child of her parents. She was serving as a house surgeon at Azeezia Medical College Hospital and was undergoing training at the taluk hospital at the time of the incident.
Background of the Accused
Sandeep had reportedly called emergency number 112 claiming his life was in danger. When police reached the location, he was found injured and surrounded by locals. He was then taken to the hospital for treatment—where the situation escalated into a deadly attack.
