Health Minister says, the victim lacked experience; MBBS students ask if they have to learn martial arts simultaneously
Kollam (VSK). Dr. Vandana Das (23) was stabbed to death by an Upper Primary teacher in Kotarakkara Taluk Hospital, Kollam district. The killer stabbed her five times while dressing his wounds. The culprit Sandeep was brought to the hospital by police after he was taken custody in connection with an alleged brawl between him and the neighbours; he had sustained injuries allegedly in the clash. He stabbed the doctor with scissors he had picked up from the ‘dressing room’. Dr. Vandana’s spinal cord and abdomen were fatally injured. Sandeep stabbed four others including a home guard and a sub inspector. Vandana was the only child of her parents.
There are reports that Sandeep was undergoing treatment in a de-addiction centre.
Hundreds of people including medical students protested in the hospital. Police found it difficult to take Sandeep to the jail.
Union minister V. Muraleedharan alleged, the government apparatus is responsible for this cold-blooded murder. BJP state president said that it is failure of the home and health ministries.
Workers of BJP, Bharatiya Mahila Morcha and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha are staging strong protests in the hospital and before the secretariat.
Protests of the doctors and medical students are going on in the area. Local BJP leaders said that Health Minister Veena George and Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, who is also the local MLA, should resign immediately.
The reported response of the health minister is unacceptable if it is true – “The inexperienced house surgeon was reportedly terrified and the assailant attacked her.” Medical students wonder if they have to go for karate or kung fu training simultaneously.
BJP leader Shobha Surendran came down heavily on the health minister for the unacceptable statement. She said, if the minister does have at least an iota of self-respect, she should resign immediately. Shobha asked what is her experience other than the uncompromising loyalty to the CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
Meanwhile, Kerala Congress (B) leader Ganesh Kumar MLA criticised the minister’s comments and questioned how a person could resist a drug addict’s attack.
KGMOA (Kerala Government Medical Officers Association) and Kerala Government House Surgeons’ have unleashed a 24hours strike in the entire state. Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital has been closed for the time being. Post Graduate Doctors’ Association, MBBS students and House Surgeons Association are protesting before the secretariat in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram.
A special sitting of the High Court expressed shock to hear the incident. It is a rare incident in the whole country. HC demanded State Police Chief’s immediate report. He is asked to get ready for an online meeting. Court asked to save the CCTV visuals; hospital superintendent is held responsible for the same. HC asked the local magistrate to visit the hospital and report.
HC asked what are the protocols while bringing a culprit to the hospital. Five policemen were there, if they cannot give security why should they continue in the force. If the government cannot provide security, why can’t government close down the hospitals. Court asked if police do not have guns with them.
State Human Rights Commission has registered a case in connection with the murder of Dr. Vandana Das. District Police Chief is asked to submit a report in five days.
Health workers are not having enough security in the state since the last few years. Last year some people attacked Kozhikode Medical College Hospital staff. In the same hospital a woman, who underwent a surgery there, was sexually attacked and an attender was arrested in this connection. Later on, 5 employees were suspended for trying to influence the victim in favour of the accused. A report from Thrissur suggests that a drunk accused created violent scenes in the hospital there.
