New information has surfaced regarding the distressing case of a doctor’s alleged suicide in Maharashtra. Police investigations indicate that just three days before her death, the doctor and her then-boyfriend, Prashant Bankar, had a significant disagreement over photographs taken during Diwali celebrations. This dispute is believed to have escalated into a major conflict in their relationship.
The doctor, who served at a government hospital in Satara, Maharashtra, was found deceased in a Phaltan hotel room on October 23. Her palm bore a note accusing a police sub-inspector, Gopal Badane, of rape and her software engineer boyfriend, Prashant Bankar, of mental harassment. Both individuals are currently in police custody.
Argument over Diwali Photos
According to Rupali Chakankar, the chairperson of the State Women’s Commission, the doctor visited Bankar’s residence to celebrate Diwali. During the festivities, an argument erupted over the photographs being taken. This disagreement reportedly led to the doctor leaving for a nearby temple.
Chakankar shared that while Bankar’s father brought her back, the doctor later retreated to a lodge. Throughout the night, she continued to communicate with Prashant via messages, but he had reportedly switched off his phone. Officials gathered this information during meetings with authorities in Phaltan.
During interrogations, it was revealed that on the day of Laxmi Pujan, the doctor requested Bankar to photograph the ‘rangoli’ she had created. However, she was apparently dissatisfied with the pictures, leading to a heated exchange that prompted her to go to a temple.
Doctor’s Pleas for Help Ignored
Chakankar also stated that the doctor sent numerous messages and photos to Bankar, expressing her intention to end her life. However, Bankar allegedly responded dismissively, suggesting that she had made such threats before.
Police sources have confirmed that the pair were in contact throughout the night leading up to the doctor’s discovery. Their phone records also showed communication between the doctor and sub-inspector Gopal Badane between January and March, followed by her interactions with Bankar.
Forensic and autopsy reports are pending. Preliminary findings from the post-mortem suggest the death was a suicide. Further analysis of call records is underway to verify the extent of contact between the doctor and the arrested sub-inspector.
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to a mental health professional. Helplines include: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050; Sanjivini: 011-24311918; Roshni Foundation (Secunderabad): 040-66202001, 040-66202000; ONE LIFE: 78930 78930; SEVA: 09441778290.
Important Related Links
- Shortly Before Satara Doctor’s Death, She Texted Accused Prashant Bankar: Police
- Doctor Accused Bankar Argued Over Photos of Diwali Decoration: Police
- Not Happy With Rangoli Pictures: Maharashtra Doctor Suicide Case, Prashant Bankar Satara Update
- Maharashtra Doctor Suicide: Who is Gopal Badane, Sub-Inspector Accused of Sexual Assault?