Dr Vandana Das murder case: Court finds accused guilty; sentencing on Thursday

Kollam: The Kollam Additional Sessions Court has declared perpetrator G. Sandeep guilty in the Dr. Vandana Das murder case. The quantum of punishment will be announced on Thursday, March 19.

The former teacher, who has been found guilty of the brutal murder of the junior doctor, is at the center of a case that has fundamentally reshaped hospital safety protocols across India.

Sandeep, a schoolteacher from Kudavattoor, was convicted on Tuesday by the Kollam Additional Sessions Court for the 2023 killing of Dr. Vandana Das. The 23-year-old medical student was carrying out her house surgency at Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital when she was repeatedly stabbed by the defendant, who had been brought to the facility by police for treatment.

The prosecution described the attack as a "horrific betrayal of the sanctuary of care." In a rare legal feat, investigators filed a comprehensive charge sheet within just 90 days, relying on 22 pieces of physical evidence and the testimony of over 70 witnesses—50 of whom were medical professionals.

Despite attempts by the defence to cite mental instability, the court ruled that the defendant was fit to stand trial. Sandeep now faces a potential life sentence or even stringer punishment, with the prosecution formally requesting the "maximum possible punishment" for murder and attack on several bystanders.

The call for the harshest possible sentence has been echoed by Dr. Vandana’s grieving parents, who have been a constant presence throughout the proceedings. Seeking closure for the loss of their only daughter, they have urged the court to deliver the maximum punishment. 

The tragedy became a catalyst for the "Vandana Das Act," a piece of legislation aimed at protecting healthcare workers from workplace violence.

The court has adjourned until Thursday, 19 March, when the final sentence will be delivered.