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Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Doctor's Murder in Kerala
A court in Kerala sentenced a man to life imprisonment on Saturday for the 2023 murder of Dr. Vandana Das. The prosecution plans to appeal, seeking the death penalty, and the victim's family also expressed desire for a harsher sentence.
Sandeep was convicted for the murder of Dr. Vandana Das, which occurred inside a taluk hospital in Kollam in May 2023. The Kollam Additional District and Sessions Court sentenced Sandeep to 30 years for offences under the Indian Penal Code. According to Special Public Prosecutor Prathap G, Sandeep's life sentence will commence after he serves the initial 30-year term. Prathap G stated that he would recommend the prosecution appeal the life sentence, seeking the death penalty. He noted that the prosecution had pursued the maximum punishment, but the court did not consider it a "rarest-of-rare case." The victim's father stated the verdict brought some relief, but he remains uncertain if justice has been fully served. He indicated plans to seek a harsher sentence after consulting with the public prosecutor. Vandana's mother stated the family hopes for the maximum punishment.
Key Facts
- Sandeep received a life sentence for the murder of Dr. Vandana Das.
- The crime occurred at a taluk hospital in Kollam in May 2023.
- The court sentenced Sandeep to 30 years under the Indian Penal Code, to be followed by the life sentence.
- Prosecutors intend to appeal the sentence, seeking the death penalty.
- The victim's family will seek to increase the sentence after consulting with the public prosecutor.
- The special public prosecutor will recommend that the prosecution file an appeal to enhance the life imprisonment to a death penalty.
- Vandana's mother said that the family can "only wish for the maximum punishment".