Maharashtra Doctor Dies by Suicide, Accuses 2 Police Officers of Rape and Harassment

Maharashtra: A woman doctor working at a government hospital in Satara district allegedly died by suicide, leaving a note accusing two police personnel of rape and mental harassment, according to a police statement on Friday. The incident came to light on Thursday night when she was found hanging in a hotel room in the Phaltan area. The doctor was a native of Beed district and worked at the hospital in Phaltan.

What Suicide Notes Say

The doctor wrote a note on her palm accusing two police personnel of sexually assaulting and mentally harassing her over the last five months. Reports say Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane was accused of repeated sexual harassment, while another officer, Prashant Bankar, was accused of mental harassment. Police have registered a case and sent the body for post-mortem, while also investigating the claims mentioned in her note.

Authorities Respond

Rupali Chakankar, chief of the Maharashtra Women’s Commission, said strict action would be taken against those responsible. She added that police teams have been deployed to track the accused. The victim’s cousin also said the doctor faced pressure from police and political figures to manipulate post-mortem reports and demanded justice for her.

Political Reactions

Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar criticised the state government, pointing out that if police become predators instead of protectors, justice cannot be served. He questioned why no action was taken when the doctor had previously complained and accused the government of shielding the police.

Arrests and Investigation

BJP leader Chitra Wagh stated that a team had been formed to arrest the accused, noting that one officer was out of Satara. Satara District SP Tushar Doshi confirmed that a case under rape and abetment to suicide has been registered against Gopal Badane and Prashant Bankar. Badane has been suspended, and the investigation is ongoing.