In a case that deeply shook Kerala and sparked nationwide concern over the safety of healthcare workers, the Kollam Additional Sessions Court on Tuesday found Sandeep guilty in the murder of doctor Vandana Das, a young house surgeon who was killed while on duty in May 2023.
The court is expected to announce the quantum of punishment on Thursday.
The incident took place on May 10, 2023, at Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital, where Dr Vandana was on duty. The accused, Sandeep, a native of Kudavattoor and a government school teacher at the time, had been brought to the hospital by police for a medical examination. In a sudden and violent turn of events, he attacked the doctor with a pair of scissors, fatally injuring her within the hospital premises. The attack also left police personnel injured.
The prosecution built a strong case supported by key evidence, including CCTV footage from the hospital. During the trial, over 70 witnesses were examined, among them around 50 doctors — marking one of the highest numbers of medical professionals appearing as prosecution witnesses in a murder case in the state. Additionally, 22 material exhibits and 27 documents were presented before the court, with the prosecution seeking maximum punishment for the accused.
Earlier in the proceedings, the accused had approached the Supreme Court seeking bail. However, following a court-ordered mental evaluation that found him fit to stand trial, the plea was rejected. A subsequent release petition filed by the accused was also dismissed.
The investigation was carried out by a team led by Kollam Rural Crime Branch Deputy Superintendent of Police MM Jose.
The brutal killing triggered widespread protests across Kerala, with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers taking to the streets to demand stronger security measures in medical institutions. The incident brought urgent attention to the vulnerability of healthcare professionals in workplaces meant for healing.
In response, the Kerala government introduced an ordinance amending the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2012. Approved by the state Cabinet within a week of the incident, the amendment introduced stricter penalties for violence against healthcare workers and expanded the definition of protected personnel.
The accused was later dismissed from his position as a government school teacher.
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