The accused in the murder of Vandana Das, a house surgeon at the Kottarakkara taluk hospital, has approached the Kerala High Court, challenging his conviction and life sentence.

The trial court in Kollam had convicted the accused, Sandeep G., who was awarded a life term for fatally stabbing the 22-year-old at the hospital, where she was on duty, in 2023. He was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and turned violent in the casualty ward.

In his appeal before the High Court, he claimed that the trial court had convicted him based on evidence that could not be admitted legally, and that his mental state was not adequately considered while arriving at the decision. He further contended that Vandana’s death was caused due to inadequate medical care.

The High Court admitted the appeal and posted the matter for hearing on July 9.