Doctor dies by suicide after alleging repeated rape by police officer and harassment by landlord’s son in Satara
29-year-old medical officer left note naming accused; pressure to issue fake medical reports also alleged
A 29-year-old doctor working at a government hospital in Maharashtra’s Satara district died by suicide after allegedly facing rape, harassment and sustained pressure to falsify medical reports. Her body was found hanging in a hotel room in Phaltan on Thursday night, October 23.
A message written on her palm in Marathi accused sub-inspector Gopal Badane of Phaltan City police station of raping her four times. Badane, who is now suspended, is said to be a relative of the victim from Beed district. The doctor also accused her landlord’s son, Prashant Bankar, of mentally and physically harassing her for the past four to five months.
She was employed as a medical officer on contract at a government hospital in Phaltan. Both accused have been booked for rape and abetment to suicide. Her body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and a search operation is underway to trace the absconding accused. Satara superintendent of police Tushar Doshi confirmed the FIR was filed on the family’s complaint.
Pressure to issue false reports
According to a cousin of the deceased, the doctor had refused to issue “medically fit” certificates for arrested individuals without proper examination and faced pressure from police and political figures to comply. She was also allegedly forced to issue incorrect post-mortem reports. The cousin claimed she had earlier lodged a complaint in June–July against three police officials, including Badane, but no action was taken.
Police officials have denied the allegations regarding ignored complaints, stating that her earlier complaint “related to a different matter.”
A police officer also told news agency that shortly before her death, the doctor had contacted accused Prashant Bankar, and text messages were exchanged.
Political reactions
The case has triggered a political storm in Maharashtra. The opposition Congress accused the ruling Mahayuti government of failing to protect women. “The Fadnavis-led government has failed to protect women,” said Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) leader Sushma Andhare demanded the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) for an impartial probe.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the police to take strict action against the accused.
Meanwhile, an internal inquiry panel is being set up by the civil surgeon to investigate whether hospital authorities responded to the doctor’s repeated complaints.
