Maharashtra Doctor Suicide Police Harassment Political Pressure Revealed

In a shocking incident from Satara, Maharashtra, a 28-year-old woman doctor has died by suicide after accusing a police officer of repeated rape and harassment. The tragic case has also revealed alarming political and institutional pressures she faced while performing her duties.

The doctor, posted at a government hospital in Phaltan, was originally from Beed district. She was found hanging in a hotel room on Thursday night. In a suicide note written on her palm, she alleged that Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane repeatedly raped her over the last five months, while a techie, Prashant Bankar, subjected her to ongoing mental harassment.

Police sources confirmed that Sub-Inspector Badane has been suspended, while Bankar was arrested and is set to be produced in court. Efforts are ongoing to locate Badane, who remains on the run. A formal case has been registered against both accused under charges of rape and abetment to suicide.

What has emerged further is the immense pressure the doctor faced in her professional life. Relatives revealed she was repeatedly coerced by police and political figures to falsify medical reports and post-mortems. On several occasions, she reportedly refused to declare arrested individuals fit when their medical condition did not permit it, leading to complaints from police to the District Medical Council.

In a detailed reply to the council, the doctor highlighted that aides of an unnamed Member of Parliament had visited the hospital to pressure her to issue false fitness certificates. She described being threatened verbally and warned of consequences if she followed the rules.

Her cousin stated, “There was a lot of police and political pressure on her to make wrong post-mortem reports. She tried to complain about it. My sister should get justice.” Reports indicate that even her complaints to senior police officials in June were ignored, leaving her vulnerable and distressed.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis personally intervened after the case came to light. The tragic incident has sparked outrage, highlighting the systemic failures in protecting women and whistleblowers in Maharashtra. Authorities have sent the body for post-mortem, while investigations continue into the allegations outlined in the suicide note.

This case raises urgent concerns over police misconduct, political interference, and the mental health of frontline professionals. The Maharashtra doctor’s death has become a rallying point for demanding accountability and justice for women facing harassment and abuse in public institutions.