Kerala Doctor Murder: Suspect Sentenced to Life, Prosecution Plans Death Penalty Appeal
Kerala Doctor Murder: Suspect Sentenced to Life, Prosecution Plans Death Penalty Appeal
In Kollam, a court handed a life term to the man who killed Dr Vandana Das, with prosecutors mulling a death penalty appeal.
G. Sandeep, 42, was convicted in the brutal murder of Dr Vandana Das inside a taluk hospital in May 2023, stabbing her 27 times with surgical scissors.
On Saturday, the Kollam Additional District and Sessions Court sentenced Sandeep to a total of 30 years for various offences under the IPC, and said that after he serves that period, his life imprisonment for the murder will commence. The detailed judgement is awaited, and the special public prosecutor indicated a likely recommendation to file an appeal to seek the death penalty, though the court did not deem it a rarest-of-rare case.
The prosecution has indicated it will proceed with an appeal to enhance the punishment to death, arguing that the attack was premeditated and grave. The court’s decision to award life imprisonment rather than the death penalty has drawn reactions from the victim’s family, who say the verdict brings some relief but doubt whether true justice has been served, and they are preparing to challenge the outcome.
Family members described Vandana Das’s death as a dream turned nightmare. Vandana’s mother expressed that the family will pursue an appeal and that the accused should bear the same pain inflicted on her daughter. The case has reignited discussions on hospital safety and the protection of medical professionals in Kerala.
