In a shocking incident at the Kottarakara taluk hospital in Kerala, a 23-year-old woman doctor, identified as Vandana Das, was brutally stabbed to death in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The assailant, Sandeep, a 42-year-old teacher, had been brought to the hospital by the police for treatment following an altercation near his residence. Tragically, while the doctor was attending to his wounds, Sandeep seized a pair of surgical scissors and attacked her, leading to her untimely demise. Five others, including policemen present at the scene, also sustained injuries during the violent episode. Despite being rushed to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram for emergency medical care, Vandana Das succumbed to her injuries.
The appalling incident has sparked outrage and sorrow across the medical community and the state as a whole. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has responded by calling for a total strike in hospitals throughout Kerala, demanding justice for the deceased doctor. The strike, initiated by the IMA, will last until 8 am on Thursday and is intended as a solemn protest against the tragic loss of a young life. Notably, the strike will not affect critical care units or emergency wings, ensuring that patients in urgent need continue to receive necessary medical attention.
The gravity of the situation prompted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Arif Mohhamed Khan to visit the hospital where Vandana Das’s body was laid to rest, offering condolences to her grieving family. The presence of high-ranking officials underscores the severity of the incident and the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victim.
Authorities have shed light on the circumstances surrounding the attack, clarifying that Sandeep was not brought to the hospital as a suspect but rather as an injured individual requiring medical treatment. He launched the assault while the doctor was tending to his wounds, starting with the police constable present. Fortunately, others in the vicinity managed to escape, but Vandana Das, caught off guard, was unable to flee from the assailant’s violence.
According to MR Ajith Kumar, ADGP (law and order), the accused, Sandeep, is known to have struggled with alcoholism, shedding light on a potential contributing factor to the tragic events that unfolded. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to ensure that justice is served for the heinous crime committed against Vandana Das and the injuries inflicted upon others.
As Kerala mourns the loss of a dedicated young doctor, the harrowing incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by healthcare professionals in the line of duty. It highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and greater awareness regarding the safety of medical personnel while providing care to the community. The tragedy has sparked a wave of solidarity and renewed efforts to address the challenges faced by healthcare workers, with hopes that such a devastating incident will never be repeated in the future.