KOLLAM: Sandeep, the accused in the Dr. Vandana Das murder case, will be examined for his mental condition. The investigation team had concluded that the accused had no mental problems. However, the test is to prevent the defendant from making a move to escape punishment by pretending that the murder was committed under a mental disorder. The special medical board of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College will conduct the examination. The examination may be done today.
The suspect was produced in the Kottarakkara Judicial First Class Magistrate's Court yesterday and remanded to the custody of the Crime Branch for five days. The accused was brought to the court from Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail. If the mental condition test is not done today, Sandeep will be taken to Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital and Sandeep's house for evidence collection. A large crowd had gathered in the court premises after hearing that Sandeep was being produced. Activists of the Democratic Women's Association protested in front of the court gate.
Advocate Aloor for the accused
Advocate Aloor appeared in the Kottarakkara court for Sandeep. Although it was argued that the accused should not be remanded in custody as the remand report stated where he got the weapon from and that it was recovered, the court did not allow it. Aloor also argued that the accused was unwell.
Interrogation started
The crime branch team started interrogating the accused who was taken into custody at around 1 pm yesterday. The court accepted the defense counsel's request that Sandeep be treated for his leg wound and bladder infection. In the evening, he underwent a medical examination at the Punalur Taluk Hospital. Investigating officer, Crime Branch ACP MM Jose said that he will be interrogated in detail in the coming days.