A female doctor, who had allegedly been raped multiple times by a police sub-inspector, died by suicide at a district hospital in Satara, Maharashtra, on Thursday night. The doctor was reportedly raped 4 times by the accused in the past 5 months.
In a note written on her left palm, the doctor accused SI Gopal Badne of repeated physical and mental assault, stating that his actions had driven her to take her own life. Following the incident, Badne has been suspended. The note read, "Police inspector Gopal Badne is the reason I died. He raped me four times. He subjected me to assault, mental and physical assault for more than five months."
The victim, employed as a medical officer at Phaltan sub-district hospital, had previously raised similar concerns in a letter addressed to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of the Sub-Divisional Office, Phaltan, on 19 June. In that letter, she accused three officers of the Phaltan Rural Police Department, SI Gopal Badne, Sub-Divisional Police Inspector Patil, and Assistant Police Inspector Ladputre, of harassment and requested legal action. She wrote that she was "under extreme stress" and urged that the matter be investigated thoroughly, with appropriate measures taken against the guilty officers.
The Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) intervened, directing the police to investigate the alleged inaction regarding the doctor’s earlier complaint. The commission stated, "The body of the deceased doctor has been sent to the hospital for autopsy. The Superintendent of Police, Satara, has been instructed to urgently locate the absconding accused and conduct a thorough investigation of the entire case." The commission added,"The police must examine why the victimised woman did not receive help despite previously reporting the harassment, and take strict action against those responsible."
The tragic incident triggered a political outcry in the state. State Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar criticised the ruling Mahayuti government, saying, "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? Why was no action taken when this girl had previously lodged a complaint? The Mahayuti government repeatedly shields the police, which is leading to an increase in police atrocities."
Wadettiwar further demanded accountability stating, "Merely ordering an inquiry in this case is not enough. These police officers should be sacked from their jobs, otherwise, they could exert pressure on the investigation. Those who ignored her earlier complaint and those who shielded these officers should face action. Until that happens, police atrocities will not be curbed."
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), also part of the ruling alliance, assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. Chitra Wagh, BJP Member of the Legislative Council and State Women President, said, "The incident is unfortunate. I have spoken to Satara Superintendent of Police. The process to register a First Information Report is underway. One of the accused is currently outside Satara, and a team has been formed to arrest him. He will be apprehended soon."
Wagh added, "It has also come to our notice that the doctor had raised a complaint earlier, but no action was taken. Everything will be investigated in the case. I want to appeal to all women that there is no need to take such an extreme step. Our government is ready to help. The 112 helpline should be used to register complaints and action will be taken."
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), also part of the ruling alliance with the Shiv Sena, called for stringent action. NCP leader Anand Paranjape said, "It is an unfortunate incident. Teams have been sent to arrest the accused. The strictest action should be taken as there is zero tolerance policy towards atrocities against women."
