A woman doctor employed at a government hospital in Maharashtra’s Satara district allegedly died by suicide and left behind a note accusing two police personnel of rape and mental harassment. Police said she was found hanging in a hotel room in Phaltan late on Thursday night. The doctor had been working at the government hospital for several months.
The deceased doctor reportedly wrote a suicide note on her palm in which she named two Maharashtra Police personnel. According to PTI, she accused Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane of repeatedly raping and sexually harassing her over the past five months. Another officer, identified as Prashant Bankar, was accused of mentally harassing her during the same period.
An officer from the local police station confirmed that a case has been registered and the body has been sent for post-mortem. “We are also investigating the allegations mentioned in the suicide note on the victim’s hand,” the official told PTI.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home Department portfolio, has instructed that strict action be taken against all the accused involved in the case. He also ordered an immediate suspension of the police officers named in the note.
Action and investigation
Following the incident, Maharashtra State Commission for Women Chairperson Rupali Chakankar assured strict action against those involved. “We have taken cognisance of the case and directed Satara Police to act swiftly. The accused will not be spared,” she said.
The woman’s cousin alleged that she was under “police and political pressure” to falsify post-mortem reports. “She had tried to complain, but no one listened. She deserves justice,” he told ANI.
A case has been registered under charges of rape and abetment to suicide against Gopal Badane and Prashant Bankar. Satara SP Tushar Doshi confirmed that the officers have been suspended and a probe is underway.
DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or in distress contact the Vandrevala Foundation’s helpline (+91-9999666555) which is available in 11 languages including English and can be accessed via telephone or WhatsApp 24×7. You can also contact Fortis Hospital’s National Helpline number 91-8376804102 which is available 24×7. You can also contact the Government Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline ‘KIRAN’ at 18005990019 which is available 24×7.