Dr Vandana Das Murder Case: Convict Moves Kerala High Court Challenging Conviction, Life Sentence

Sandeep G., who was found guilty by the trial court for the the murder of Dr. Vandana Das, has moved the Kerala High Court challenging his conviction and life sentence.

Dr. Vandana was a 22-year-old house surgeon, who was stabbed to death, in May 2023 while she was on duty at a Taluk hospital in Kottarakkara, Kollam.

The Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar admitted the appeal on Tuesday (May 19).

In March, Additional Sessions Judge - I, Kollam had found Sandeep guilty of multiple offences, including murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), attempt to murder, grievous hurt, and offences under the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2012.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred in the early hours of May 10, 2023, at the Taluk Hospital, Kottarakkara. The accused, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, was brought to the hospital by police for treatment of injuries.

While in the casualty ward, he allegedly took a surgical scissors from the procedure room and launched a violent attack on bystanders, police personnel, and hospital staff. He ultimately repeatedly stabbed Dr. Vandana Das, a house surgeon, causing fatal injuries.

The Sessions Court had sentenced Sandeep to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh for the murder of Dr. Vandana. In addition, he received, 10 years' rigorous imprisonment and fine of ₹50,000 for attempt to murder, 10 years' rigorous imprisonment and fine of ₹25,000 for causing grievous hurt.

Various shorter terms for causing injuries to multiple victims, including police personnel and hospital staff were also awarded. The Trial Court also sentenced him to five years' imprisonment and fine of ₹50,000 under the Kerala Healthcare Violence Act. It was directed that the life sentence under Section 302 of IPC will commence only after the completion of the term sentences.

Sandeep has also filed a petition for suspending his sentence of life imprisonment.

He was acquitted of charges under Sections 506(ii) (criminal intimidation) and 353 (assault to deter public servant) IPC, while being convicted on the remaining counts.

The appeal is moved by Advocates C.P. Udayabhanu, Rassal Janardhanan A., Navaneeth N. Nath, Abhishek M. Kunnathu, Boban Palat, P.U. Pratheesh Kumar, P.R. Ajay, K.U. Swapnil, Pranav Ushakar, Swetha Bijumon

Case No: Crl.A 664/ 2026

Case Title: Sandeep G. v. State of Kerala