Thu Sep 04 10:34:19 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text followed by a news article based on that summary:

**Summary:**

Dr. Shirly Vasu, Kerala’s first woman forensic surgeon, passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 68 in Kozhikode. A highly respected figure in her field, she played a crucial role in solving numerous high-profile cases, including the Soumya murder case. She also served as an educator, imparting her knowledge to generations of medical students. After a long and distinguished career in various medical colleges, including a stint as Principal of Thrissur MCH, she authored a book about her experiences and received the ‘Vanitha Rathnam’ Justice Fathima Beevi Award.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Mourns Passing of Dr. Shirly Vasu, Pioneering Forensic Surgeon**

**Kozhikode, September 4, 2025** – Kerala has lost a trailblazer with the passing of Dr. Shirly Vasu, the state’s first woman forensic surgeon, who died today at the age of 68. Dr. Vasu, known for her sharp intellect and unwavering dedication to justice, played a pivotal role in resolving numerous high-profile and often controversial police cases throughout her distinguished career.

Dr. Vasu collapsed at her home earlier today and was rushed to Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, where she was pronounced dead.

For over three decades, Dr. Vasu served as a guiding light in the field of forensic medicine, performing thousands of autopsy examinations, most notably in the Soumya murder case. Beyond her casework, she was a passionate educator, shaping the minds of countless medical students during her tenure as Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH).

A native of Thodupuzha in Idukki, Dr. Vasu graduated from Government Medical College, Kottayam, in 1974 and joined Kozhikode MCH in 1982. Her expertise extended internationally, with training in ‘Atrocities against women and children’ through a World Health Organisation fellowship and further training in Forensic Pathology and terrorism at prestigious institutions in London.

Dr. Vasu’s career trajectory included roles as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor at Kozhikode MCH, followed by a period at Thrissur MCH. She later served as Principal of Thrissur MCH, retiring in 2016. Following retirement, she remained active in the medical field, practicing at a private medical college hospital in Mukkom.

In her later years, Dr. Vasu shared her wealth of experience in her book, ‘Post-Mortem Table.’ She was honored with the ‘Vanitha Rathnam’ Justice Fathima Beevi Award by the Kerala State government for her contributions to society.

Dr. Vasu is survived by her husband and two children. Her legacy as a pioneer, educator, and champion of justice will continue to inspire generations of forensic professionals in Kerala and beyond.

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