A deeply disturbing incident has come to light in Maharashtra’s Satara district, where a 28-year-old woman doctor, employed at a government hospital, was found dead in a hotel room, apparently by suicide. A note scribbled on her palm accused two police officers of rape and subjecting her to mental harassment over the last five months. This shocking development has prompted immediate action from the state government, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordering the suspension of the named officers.
The Satara Police have confirmed that a case has been registered and the body has been sent for a post-mortem examination. They are also actively investigating the grave allegations detailed in the suicide note. The doctor’s handwritten message specifically named sub-inspector Gopal Badane, accusing him of repeated rape and sexual harassment. Another officer, Prashant Bankar, was accused of causing her significant mental distress. In response to the outcry, Rupali Chakankar, the chief of the Maharashtra Women’s Commission, stated that the commission has taken cognizance of the matter and has urged the Satara Police to take stringent action against the individuals implicated.
Adding another layer of tragedy to this incident, relatives have come forward with claims that the doctor, along with other medical officials, was allegedly pressured to falsify post-mortem reports. Her cousin revealed to a news agency that there was immense pressure from both police and political figures to manipulate these reports, and the doctor had indeed tried to report these issues. The family is desperately seeking justice for her.
The doctor had reportedly confided in her aunts about the immense pressure she was facing at her workplace. One aunt described her as a bright and ambitious individual who had been supported through her education, only to be subjected to such distress at work that she took her own life. Another aunt shared a poignant detail: just two days before her death, the doctor had mentioned experiencing harassment from her seniors.
In the wake of these revelations, Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi announced that a case has been registered against both Badane and Bankar under charges of rape and abetment to suicide. The sub-inspector has been suspended, and efforts are underway to apprehend both accused officers. The Superintendent assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, and strict action would be taken.
(Inputs from ANI, PTI)