S. Sandeep, the accused in the murder of Vandana Das, a house surgeon at the Kottarakara Taluk Hospital, is mentally sound, according to a preliminary evaluation.
The finding was recorded after the accused was evaluated by a doctor of the Mental Health Centre, Peroorkada, in the presence of senior officials of the Poojappura Central Prison, where he has been lodged within the confines of a high-security cell.
According to sources, the expert ruled out the possibility of a mental illness that could have prompted Sandeep’s stabbing spree.
The accused, however, claimed the attack was triggered by the presence of police officers and doctors at the hospital who, he purportedly feared, would harm him.
He added that he did not intend to target Vandana, but a male doctor present there.
He also denied having consumed narcotic substances.
However, the authorities are yet to ascertain such claims.
