The 28-year-old doctor, originally from Beed district, Maharashtra and posted at a government-run hospital in Phaltan, reportedly died by suicide on Thursday night. She left a suicide note written on her palm, implicating Assistant Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Gopal Badane for rape and harassment over the past five months, and accused Prashant Bankar of causing her mental distress.
Maharashtra Doctor Suicide Note
In a suicide note written on her palm, the doctor accused a police sub-inspector and a software engineer of rape and mental harassment over the past five months.
According to the note, Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane had allegedly raped and sexually harassed her on multiple occasions, while Prashant Bankar, a Pune-based software engineer, had mentally tortured her.
The note reportedly stated: “Badane raped me four times. He subjected me to rape, mental and physical abuse for more than five months.”
Maharashtra Doctor Death Case: Investigation and Actions Taken
After discovering the incident, police sent her body for a post-mortem, and forensic analysis focused on the palm-written suicide note. Authorities quickly suspended the accused police officer while launching a search for both suspects. Satara’s Superintendent of Police confirmed an FIR under charges including rape and abetment to suicide, and assured strong investigative action.
Official Response and Public Outcry
Local Superintendent of Police said, “A case has been registered against them [the two] under charges of rape and abetment to suicide. The accused PSI has been suspended from duty. Our teams are trying to locate the two accused. A thorough probe and stringent action will be taken.” Reported in India Today.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the immediate suspension of officers named in the suicide note and directed strict legal action.
“The body of the deceased doctor has sent to the hospital for autopsy. The commission has instructed the Superintendent of Police, Satara, to urgently search for the absconding accused and conduct a thorough investigation of the entire case,” Maharashtra State Commission for Women said in a post on X.
It also added, “The commission has instructed the police to investigate why the victimised woman did not receive help despite previously complaining about the harassment she faced and to take strict action against those responsible.”
State ministers—including Pankaja Munde and Meghna Bordikar—reassured the public of a detailed, fair investigation and emphasized the need to avoid media trials. Meanwhile, government and opposition leaders expressed shock, with calls for justice and systemic reform to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Allegations of Foul Play
The deceased’s family raised allegations of pressure from police and political circles to alter the post-mortem report, demanding justice and transparency in the inquiry process. They described her as an ambitious professional facing immense workplace stress from superiors, which they believe contributed to her tragic decision.
Political and Social Reactions on Doctor death
Opposition leaders sharply criticized the Fadnavis government, citing failures in adequately responding to earlier complaints, and condemned rising incidents of police misconduct. Maharashtra Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders demanded accountability, while the Trinamool Congress questioned the BJP’s and media’s silence on the case.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to probe the sequence of events, and forensic findings alongside the post-mortem report will play a critical role in determining legal outcomes. The incident has intensified calls for rigorous law enforcement reforms and heightened protection for women in Maharashtra.
