The 26-year-old woman doctor from Maharashtra’s Satara district, who died by suicide, has left behind a detailed four-page note. She has accused a police official of raping her four times and other police personnel of persistent harassment and pressure to falsify medical reports. In her letter she added that she was not only harassed and pressurised by the police officials, but, on one occasion was coerced by a Member of the Parliament and his assistants.
Posted at the Phaltan Sub-District Hospital, the now deceased doctor claimed that she was repeatedly coerced by police personnel to issue fake fitness certificates for accused individuals, many of whom, she said, were never even brought for medical examination. When she refused to comply, she faced intimidation and harassment, allegedly from Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne and others.
In her note, the doctor wrote that she had endured “mental and physical abuse” for over five months and that she had been raped by Badne on at least four separate occasions. On the day of her death, she reportedly had written on her palm that she had been “raped four times” by the police officer.
Describing one particular incident, she recounted that after she declined to issue a false certificate, two personal assistants of a Member of Parliament arrived at the hospital. They made her speak to the MP, who allegedly threatened her indirectly over the phone.
The doctor had been serving at the hospital for nearly two years and was just a month away from completing her mandatory rural service bond. She had planned to pursue postgraduate medical studies thereafter.
The deceased doctor’s cousin also alleged that she had raised formal complaints multiple times but no action was taken. “She had complained on two or three occasions,” he told NDTV. “Even after writing to the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), nothing was done. In her letter, she had asked who would be responsible if anything happened to her. She also mentioned the lack of security at the hospital premises.” He further stated that she had personally called the DSP for help, who assured her of a callback, but “no one took any action.”
In addition to the police officer, the doctor’s letter also mentioned her landlord, Prashant Bankar, accusing him of harassment. Following her death, a case has been registered against both Badne and Bankar on charges of rape and abetment to suicide.
Confirming the development, Inspector General of Police (Kolhapur Division), Sunil Phulari, said, “We are investigating the matter based on the evidence gathered so far. A case has been lodged in Satara district. The police officer involved has been suspended.”
The incident has triggered a major political controversy in Maharashtra. The Congress party has accused the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti government of protecting errant police officers. “When the protector becomes the predator! The duty of the police is to protect, but if they themselves are exploiting a female doctor, how will justice be served?” said Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar in a post on X. He questioned why no action was taken despite the doctor’s prior complaints, adding that “the Mahayuti government repeatedly shields the police, which is leading to an increase in police atrocities.”
Reacting to the uproar, BJP leader Chitra Wagh described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured a thorough investigation. “I have spoken to the Satara Superintendent of Police. It has come to our notice that the doctor had raised a complaint but no action was taken. Everything will be investigated in the case,” she said. Wagh urged women not to resort to extreme steps, adding, “Our government is ready to help. The 112 helpline should be used to register such complaints, and action will be taken.”
