Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare led a vigorous protest on Monday, November 3, 2025, outside the Phaltan police station in Satara. The demonstration was organized in response to the tragic death of a 28-year-old woman doctor, with Andhare demanding greater transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation.
The young doctor, originally from Maharashtra’s Beed district, was discovered deceased in a Phaltan hotel room on October 23. Prior to her death, she had made serious allegations, claiming that Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane had repeatedly raped her and that software engineer Prashant Bankar had subjected her to severe mental harassment. Both individuals have since been arrested in connection with the case.
During the protest, Ms. Andhare directly confronted an officer involved in the investigation. She sternly accused the police of improperly leaking the private phone call records of the deceased, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the probe. This incident follows earlier widespread protests by doctors across Maharashtra, who have been vocally demanding a swift and thorough investigation into the Phaltan doctor’s death.
Ms. Andhare publicly questioned the source of the leaked call records, directly challenging Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi. She demanded to know why these private details and personal chats were made public, and criticized Doshi for allegedly allowing Rupali Chakankar, the Maharashtra Women’s Commission chief, to disclose sensitive information that was part of the police investigation. It was at a press conference in Satara on October 27 that Ms. Chakankar had revealed specifics from the doctor’s call records, drawing widespread criticism and fueling privacy concerns.
In response to Ms. Andhare’s pointed questions, the investigating officer stated he was unable to comment on the ongoing probe, emphasizing that the police’s official account would be presented in court. The arrests of the sub-inspector and software engineer had previously brought a measure of progress to the case, but the recent allegations have reignited public anger and demands for deeper scrutiny.
Accompanied by the grieving relatives of the deceased doctor, Ms. Andhare further pressed authorities on why the potential involvement of six other individuals—including a health official and six police personnel—was not being thoroughly investigated. The demonstrators collectively demanded that the case be fast-tracked through the court system, advocating for a quick resolution and severe, exemplary punishment for those found guilty.
Meanwhile, police officials confirmed that they are actively continuing to record statements from various individuals pertinent to the case, including fellow doctors and the victim’s family members.