Maharashtra Police in Latur district have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a senior government hospital doctor for allegedly instructing a colleague to “kill” a COVID-19 patient during the peak of the pandemic in 2021. The case stems from an audio clip that recently surfaced on social media, purportedly capturing the alarming conversation.
The accused, Dr. Shashikant Deshpande, who was then the additional district surgeon at the Udgir Government Hospital, is alleged to have made the incendiary remark to Dr. Shashikant Dange, who was posted at a COVID-19 care centre. The widely circulated audio clip reportedly dates back to a time when hospitals were overwhelmed with patients and resources were critically scarce.
The patient in question, Kausar Fatima, wife of Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin (53), had ultimately recovered from the illness.
According to the complaint filed by Gaussoddin, the purported conversation includes Dr. Deshpande allegedly stating: “Don’t allow anyone to go inside, just kill that Dayami woman.” Dr. Dange is heard responding cautiously, noting that oxygen support had already been reduced for the patient. The complaint also alleges that Dr. Deshpande made a caste-based slur during the call.
FIR lodged
Based on Gaussoddin’s complaint, the Udgir city police registered a case against Dr. Deshpande on May 24 under sections of the Indian Penal Code about deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, among other offences.
Inspector Dilip Gade told PTI that police have seized Dr. Deshpande’s mobile phone, issued him a notice, and are currently recording his statement. He added that the police are actively verifying the authenticity of the audio clip.
A notice has also been issued to Dr. Dange. “He is out of district and will come tomorrow. After that, we will collect his mobile phone and conduct an inquiry,” Inspector Gade stated.
The FIR details that Kausar Fatima, then 41, tested positive for COVID-19 in 2021 and was admitted to the Udgir government hospital on April 15, 2021. She was treated at a COVID-19 care centre managed by the hospital, where Dr. Dange was attending to patients.
The complainant, Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin, recounts that around the seventh day of his wife’s 10-day admission, he was sitting beside Dr. Dange while the latter was having lunch. During this time, Dr. Dange received a call from Dr. Deshpande and placed it on speaker to discuss hospital matters. Gaussoddin claims that when Dr. Dange informed Dr. Deshpande about the lack of vacant beds, he distinctly heard Dr. Deshpande say, “Kill the Dayami patient. You’re used to dealing with such people.”
Gaussoddin stated he was shocked but remained silent at the time due to his wife’s ongoing treatment. She was discharged a few days later after recovering. However, the audio clip surfacing on May 2, 2025, deeply hurt him and offended his religious sentiments, especially with the alleged derogatory caste-related comments, prompting him to lodge the police complaint.
(With PTI Inputs)