Scripted schizophrenic: How jail library records foiled final act of Dr Vandana Das's murderer

KOLLAM: The "mental illness drama" attempted by Sandeep, the accused in the Dr. Vandana Das murder case, has been foiled. The prosecution successfully countered Sandeep's claims by presenting evidence that he had been studying psychiatry books from the jail library to mimic symptoms.

From the earliest days of the investigation, the team suspected Sandeep would argue that the murder was committed while he was "mentally deranged." Consequently, just three days after the murder, Sandeep underwent a psychiatric evaluation at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. The initial report stated that the accused showed no signs of mental health issues. Nine days later, a medical board comprising multiple psychiatrists examined him again. While they confirmed there were no signs of derangement, they recommended a follow-up examination.

While on remand at Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail, Sandeep began reading psychiatric literature from the prison library. During his subsequent examination, he began exhibiting symptoms of schizophrenia, claiming he constantly heard a "third person's voice." These actions were intended to secure a medical report supporting a mental health defence.

The prosecution refuted this by presenting the jail library records. Furthermore, they argued in court that Sandeep’s background—including statements from colleagues and friends noting he was a well-adjusted teacher who could drive, sing, and act—proved he was of sound mind. A statement from the Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail Superintendent, confirming that Sandeep showed no signs of illness during daily prison life, further weakened the defence.

Had the court accepted the defence’s argument, Sandeep could have been acquitted under the insanity defence or sentenced to long-term psychiatric treatment rather than prison.

"Justice can only be said to have been served after the verdict. I hope the maximum punishment will be given. The prosecution has done a good job." — Vasantha Kumari, Mother of Dr. Vandana Das

"We have been fighting for justice since our daughter was murdered. There was criminal negligence in protecting her. Our daughter was everything to us. We hope the maximum punishment will be given, considering this a 'rarest of rare' case. Despite Vandana's murder, there has been no significant change in the safety of healthcare workers." — K.G. Mohandas, Father of Dr. Vandana Das

"This case caused a great shock to the public. Therefore, we worked to collect all possible evidence and close every loophole within 90 days to file the charge sheet." — M.M. Jose, Investigating Officer