Kerala Mourns Loss of First Woman Forensic Surgeon Dr. Sherly Vasu
Kozhikode, September 5, 2025 — Kerala is grieving the loss of Dr. Sherly Vasu, the state’s first woman forensic surgeon, who passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 68 in Kozhikode. A trailblazer in forensic medicine, an acclaimed author, and a dedicated educator, Dr. Vasu leaves behind a legacy that transformed crime investigation and medical education in India. Her death at a private hospital in Kozhikode, where she was undergoing treatment for respiratory issues, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from medical professionals, students, police officials, and political leaders, who hailed her as a pioneering figure whose work bridged science and justice. As the state mourns, her contributions continue to inspire future generations, particularly women in medicine and forensics.
A Pioneering Career in Forensic Medicine
Dr. Sherly Vasu, born in 1957 in Kollam, Kerala, made history as the first woman forensic surgeon in the state, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. After earning her MBBS and MD in Forensic Medicine from Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, she joined the Kerala Health Services in 1985. Her expertise in post-mortem examinations, medico-legal cases, and crime scene analysis earned her widespread respect among law enforcement and the judiciary.
Serving as Professor and Head of the Forensic Medicine Department at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Dr. Vasu handled thousands of complex cases over her 35-year career, including high-profile investigations like the 2006 Perumbavoor murder case and the 2011 Thodupuzha acid attack case. Her meticulous approach to autopsies and ability to provide critical evidence in court were instrumental in securing convictions, earning her the nickname “Kerala’s Sherlock” among colleagues.
Dr. Vasu’s work extended beyond the autopsy room. She trained thousands of medical students and police officers, emphasizing the importance of forensic science in delivering justice. Her lectures, known for their clarity and passion, inspired many women to pursue careers in forensics. Dr. P.K. Sunil, a former colleague, told The Hindu on September 4, 2025, “Sherly was a mentor who made forensic medicine accessible and exciting. She showed us that science could speak for the voiceless.”
Literary and Social Contributions
In addition to her medical career, Dr. Vasu was an accomplished author and social advocate. Her books, including The Silent Witness (2010) and Traces of Truth (2018), blended forensic insights with real-life case studies, making complex medico-legal concepts accessible to the public. The Silent Witness became a recommended text in medical colleges across Kerala, while her Malayalam essays on women’s safety and healthcare were widely published in regional dailies.
Dr. Vasu was a vocal advocate for women’s rights, often speaking at seminars about the role of forensic medicine in addressing gender-based violence. In a 2019 TEDx talk in Kochi, she highlighted the need for more women in forensics, stating, “Every autopsy is a story, and women have a unique perspective in telling it with empathy and precision.” Her advocacy influenced policy changes, including mandatory forensic training for police in Kerala in 2015.
Her contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Kerala Health Services Excellence Award in 2012 and the Indian Medical Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. Despite her achievements, colleagues described her as humble and approachable, often mentoring young doctors late into the night.
Tributes Pour In
Following her passing, tributes flooded in from across Kerala and beyond. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Dr. Vasu as “a beacon of courage and intellect,” noting her role in strengthening Kerala’s medico-legal framework. Health Minister Veena George, who visited the hospital on September 4, announced that the state would honor Dr. Vasu with a memorial lecture series at Government Medical College, Kozhikode.
The Kerala Police, with whom Dr. Vasu collaborated extensively, expressed gratitude for her contributions. DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb, in a statement, said, “Her expertise solved cases that seemed impossible. She was a true partner in justice.” Students and alumni of Kozhikode Medical College took to X, sharing memories of her classes and mentorship, with posts like @DrAnitaM’s: “Dr. Sherly Vasu taught us to see beyond the scalpel—to seek truth. Rest in power, ma’am.”
The Indian Medical Association and the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association held condolence meetings on September 4, with virtual attendance from doctors nationwide. Political leaders, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and BJP state president K. Surendran, praised her as a role model for women in STEM.
Health Struggles and Final Days
Dr. Vasu had been battling chronic respiratory issues, exacerbated by years of exposure to formalin in autopsy rooms, a common occupational hazard for forensic surgeons. She was admitted to a private hospital in Kozhikode on August 28, 2025, after experiencing breathing difficulties. Despite intensive care, her condition deteriorated, and she passed away at 6:45 p.m. on September 4, surrounded by family and colleagues.
Her death has sparked discussions about occupational health risks for forensic professionals. Dr. R. Sreekumar, a forensic expert, told Mathrubhumi, “Sherly’s passing is a reminder that we need better safety protocols for those working in high-risk medical fields.” The Kerala Health Department announced on September 5 that it would review workplace safety for forensic surgeons, citing Dr. Vasu’s case.
Legacy and Impact
Dr. Vasu’s contributions reshaped forensic medicine in Kerala, a state known for its advanced healthcare system. Her work on over 10,000 autopsies provided critical evidence in criminal cases, while her training programs professionalized forensic investigations across the state. She was instrumental in introducing DNA evidence protocols in Kerala’s medico-legal system in the early 2000s, a move that enhanced conviction rates in sexual assault cases.
Her advocacy for women in medicine inspired a new generation, with the number of female forensic surgeons in Kerala rising from just one (Dr. Vasu herself) in 1985 to over 30 by 2025, per Health Department data. Her books and public talks also raised awareness about forensic science, making it a respected field in a country where it is often stigmatized.
Dr. Vasu is survived by her husband, Dr. K. Vasudevan, a retired cardiologist, and their daughter, Dr. Anjali Vasu, a pediatrician in Thiruvananthapuram. Her family announced that her body would be donated to the Kozhikode Medical College for educational purposes, fulfilling her lifelong wish to contribute to medical training even after death.
Community Response and Memorial Plans
The Kozhikode community, where Dr. Vasu lived and worked for over three decades, has been deeply affected by her loss. On September 5, students and residents gathered outside the medical college for a candlelight vigil, sharing stories of her kindness and dedication. Social media platforms, particularly X, saw an outpouring of grief, with hashtags like #DrSherlyVasu and #KeralaForensicPioneer trending regionally.
The state government plans to establish a Dr. Sherly Vasu Forensic Research Centre in Kozhikode, focusing on advanced forensic techniques and women’s safety. Colleagues have also proposed naming a wing of the medical college’s forensic department after her. “Her legacy will live on in every case solved and every student inspired,” said Dr. Sunil, reflecting the sentiment of many.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Sherly Vasu’s passing marks the end of an era for Kerala’s medical and forensic communities, but her impact endures. Her pioneering work, advocacy for women, and commitment to justice have left an indelible mark, inspiring calls for better support for forensic professionals and more women in STEM. As Kerala mourns, the focus is on preserving her legacy through education, research, and policies that reflect her vision of a just and equitable society.
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