Kottarakara: A year has passed since Dr Vandana fell victim at the hands of an assailant at the Emergency Department of the Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital. That fateful day, the accused, who was brought to the hospital for a medical examination, took the life of the young doctor while those that were supposed to stand guard fled for their own safety. A memorial service for Dr Vandana will be held at the Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital on Friday. 

This incident that took place on May 10, 2023 was one that shook the conscience of the whole State. Accused Sandeep (42), a school teacher from Pooyapally, came to court for a hearing in the case two days ago. Vandana’s parents, Mohandas and Vasanthakumari’s grief has no end.

On May 10, 2023, Sandeep was brought to the Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital by the Pooyappally Police at around 4 am. He turned violent while a wound on his leg was being treated. He attacked the policemen who accompanied him and the hospital staff. Five people, including the policemen, were injured. While hospital staff sought shelter in the rooms nearby, the injured policemen ran out to close the gates. Dr Vandana Das incidentally ended up in front of Sandeep. 

He pushed Vandana to the floor and violently stabbed her multiple times using surgical forceps. Dr Sajil, a house surgeon who came running after hearing Vandana’s scream pushed Sandeep off her and ran out carrying Vandana on his shoulders. Sandeep ran after him and stabbed him in the back. Vandana was taken to a private hospital in Kottarakara and later to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, but couldn’t be saved. Vandana’s autopsy revealed 26 wounds on her body.