Kollam Additional Sessions Court is set to deliver the sentence for Sandeep, the convict in the brutal murder of Dr. Vandana Das, on Saturday (March 21, 2026).
Judge P.N. Vinod had previously found Sandeep, a resident of Sreenilayam, Kudavattoor, guilty of multiple charges including homicide, causing grievous hurt, obstructing government officials from performing their duties, and destruction of evidence. The final arguments regarding the quantum of punishment were concluded on Thursday, marking a critical turning point in a case that shook the medical community and the State of Kerala.
During the proceedings, the prosecution pushed for the maximum possible penalty, categorising the crime as rarest of rare. They emphasised the heinous nature of the act, noting that a 22-year-old house surgeon, who had her entire life and career ahead of her, was mercilessly killed while on duty. The prosecution also highlighted that Sandeep attacked several police officers during the rampage, with one officer narrowly escaping death. They argued that an exemplary punishment is necessary to serve as a deterrent and to provide justice for the loss of a young life dedicated to saving others.
In contrast, the defense sought leniency by highlighting Sandeep’s age and his responsibility towards his elderly mother. During the hearing, Sandeep claimed he had no memory of committing the murder and asked the court if there was any way he could atone for his actions. The courtroom witnessed emotional scenes as the accused, his mother, and Dr. Vandana’s mother all broke down in tears during the hour-long arguments. After considering the points raised by both sides, the court scheduled the final sentencing for Saturday.
The tragic incident took place in the early hours of May 10, 2023, at the Kottarakara Taluk Hospital. Sandeep, who had been brought to the hospital for treatment, seized surgical scissors from the casualty ward and repeatedly stabbed Dr. Vandana Das while she was on duty. He also turned his aggression towards other hospital staff and police personnel. Despite being rushed to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram for emergency care, Dr. Vandana succumbed to her injuries by 8:30 a.m.
The investigation, led by Crime Branch DySP M.M. Jose, saw a chargesheet filed within 90 days of the incident. The trial began in February 2025 at the Kollam Additional Sessions Court, involving the examination of over 70 witnesses. The prosecution presented 22 pieces of physical evidence and 207 documents to build a solid case against the accused. Following the completion of the trial on March 7, 2026, court’s final decision on the punishment is awaited for a crime that led to significant changes in hospital security protocols across the State.
Published – March 19, 2026 08:35 pm IST
