Killing of Vandana Das

Murder of Vandana Das
Date10 May 2023
LocationKottarakkara, Kerala, India
DeathsVandana Das

On 10 May 2023, 22-year-old medical doctor Vandana Das was fatally stabbed while on hospital duty at the Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital in Kerala, India. The assailant was identified as a 42-year old school teacher from Pooyappally in Kollam. Das's killing sparked outrage among healthcare professionals in Kerala and they demanded stringent legal action against those committing violent acts against healthcare professionals.[1] As of July 2025, the trial for the accused is ongoing.

Killing

Vandana Das was a 22-year-old medical doctor who had studied at the Azeezia Institute of Medical Science, Kollam. She was working at the Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital as a part of her internship training. On 10 May 2023, a suspect was brought for medical examination by the police at around 4:30 am at the Kottarakkara Taluk hospital.[2]

The suspect named was a 42-year-old upper primary school teacher, who was found in Pooyappally with injuries on one of his legs. He was intoxicated and called 112, claiming he felt threatened by someone and was causing a disturbance in his neighborhood. The police apprehended him and took him to the hospital for a medical examination. Two people, including a close relative, accompanied him to the hospital. At the hospital, the suspect attacked a police officer and another person in the dressing room of the hospital. The remaining witnesses fled, except for Das, who was unable to run. The suspect stabbed Das with a pair of scissors multiple times. She sustained multiple injuries on her chest and neck, and was immediately taken to a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where she died.[2] Her autopsy confirmed that she was fatally stabbed by a "surgical scissor" more than three times on her neck and back. Bystanders said that the suspect continued stabbing Vandana even after she fell to the ground.

Investigation and trial

In February 2025, witness examination began.[3]

As of July 2025, the trial of the suspect is ongoing. The trial has faced multiple delays due to changes in legal representation.[4]

Responses

The House Surgeon's Association of Kerala, the organization of intern doctors, staged a protest and raised slogans demanding justice for Das.[5] The Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association and the Indian Medical Association called for a one-day Kerala-wide protest over the death of Das. The incident sparked outrage among doctors, accusing the government and hospitals of having poor work conditions for interns and lack of safety for doctors against violence.[6]

Legacy

Das's funeral was held in Pattalamukku, near Kaduthuruthy, on 11 May, 2025.[7]

In October 2024, the Dr Vandana Das Memorial Clinic opened in Thrikkunnapuzha, Alappuzha.[8][9]

A hospital named in honor of Das is expected to open in Kottayam in August 2025.[10]

References

  1. ^ "'Doctors are easy targets': IMA Kerala president reacts to Dr Vandana's murder". The News Minute. 10 May 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Kerala doctor stabbed to death while on duty: 'we were all proud of Vandana'". The Indian Express. 10 May 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  3. ^ "Vandana Das murder case: Examination of first 50 witnesses begins". The New Indian Express. 2025-02-13. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  4. ^ "Dr. Vandana Das murder trial delayed again as defence lawyer withdraws". The South First. 2025-07-10. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  5. ^ "Kerala: Medicos stage protest over murder of Dr Vandana Das | News - Times of India Videos". The Times of India. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  6. ^ "Dr Vandana's murder: Strikes mount in Kerala, doctors call off duties in protest". The News Minute. 10 May 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  7. ^ "Thousands bid tearful adieu to Vandana Das". The Hindu. 2023-05-11. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  8. ^ "Governor Khan to inaugurate Dr Vandana Das Memorial Clinic on October 10". Onmanorama. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  9. ^ A, Sam Paul (2024-09-28). "A mission of compassion born out of loss". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  10. ^ "Dr Vandana Das Memorial Hospital to open in Kottayam next month". Onmanorama. 2025-07-25. Retrieved 2025-07-30.