Kerala Government Rejects CBI Probe into Dr. Vandana Das’ Killing; Cites Police Investigation Adequacy

The Kerala government asserted in the Assembly on Wednesday that the investigation into the killing of Dr. Vandana Das by a patient was conducted effectively by the state police. Consequently, the government sees no necessity to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), as demanded by the victim’s parents. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized that the police promptly carried out the investigation and submitted a charge sheet to the court.

CM Vijayan pointed out that the Kerala High Court also dismissed the plea for a CBI investigation, citing no reason to doubt the integrity or credibility of the police probe. Responding to queries from UDF MLA Mons Joseph about the possibility of appointing a special squad to investigate alleged shortcomings in the police probe, Vijayan rejected the idea, stating that no such special team is required.

Vijayan highlighted the government’s commitment to preventing such incidents in the future and mentioned the issuance of a comprehensive medico-legal protocol in September the previous year. Despite the High Court’s dismissal of the CBI probe plea, the victim’s family criticized the government for opposing their request. Dr. Vandana Das was fatally attacked by a patient at a taluk hospital in Kollam district in May the previous year.

The accused, G Sandeep, a school teacher, was brought to the taluk hospital by the police for medical treatment when he suddenly attacked Dr. Das. The assault resulted in her tragic death, prompting her family to seek a CBI investigation. The government’s stance, citing the adequacy of the police investigation, has sparked continued disagreement with the victim’s parents.