Maharashtra Doctor's Suicide Reveals Systemic Abuse: Forced to Create False Reports After Multiple Rapes by Police Officer

Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne (left) has been suspended; the victim's cousin speaks to NDTV.

The female doctor who allegedly took her own life after being raped multiple times by a police sub-inspector in Maharashtra was reportedly coerced into producing fraudulent medical reports, her cousin revealed to NDTV on Friday.

According to the cousin, the victim, who served as a medical officer at Phaltan sub-district hospital in Satara for two years, faced significant pressure from officials to create fake autopsy and fitness reports. She was allegedly compelled to prepare fitness documentation even when patients were not physically present at the hospital.

These disclosures emerge as the Thursday night suicide has ignited a major political controversy across the state. The victim left a suicide note written on her left palm, accusing Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne of raping her four times over five months and stating that his persistent harassment drove her to end her life. Badne has since been suspended from duty.

The cousin claimed the doctor was the sole resident medical officer at the facility. "She had filed complaints on multiple occasions. Despite writing to both the Superintendent of Police and Deputy Superintendent of Police, no action was taken," he stated.

"In her letter, she questioned who would be responsible if something happened to her. She also highlighted the lack of security on the premises, but nothing was done. When she called the DSP, he promised to return her call, but no follow-up action occurred," the cousin added.

The victim's relative has demanded immediate arrest of the accused and called for "death penalty for them."

In her June 19 letter to the DSP, the victim accused two police officers from Phaltan Rural Police Department of harassment and requested legal action against them.

She specifically named Badne, Sub-Divisional Police Inspector Patil, and Assistant Police Inspector Ladputre in her complaint. The doctor mentioned experiencing "extreme stress" and requested a thorough investigation into the serious matter with appropriate action against the responsible officers.

Sources indicate that Badne's suspension came directly from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

State Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar criticized the ruling Mahayuti government regarding the suicide note.

"When the protector becomes the predator! Police should safeguard citizens, but if they themselves exploit a female doctor, how can justice be achieved? Why wasn't action taken when she previously filed a complaint? The Mahayuti government repeatedly shields police officers, leading to increased police atrocities," he posted on X.

"Simply ordering an inquiry is insufficient. These officers should be dismissed from service, otherwise they could interfere with the investigation. Why wasn't her earlier complaint taken seriously? Those who ignored it and protected these officers must face consequences. Police misconduct will continue until proper action is taken against offenders," he added.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, a member of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, promised a comprehensive investigation into the doctor's suicide.

"This incident is tragic. I've spoken with Satara's Superintendent of Police. The process of filing a First Information Report is underway. One accused is currently outside Satara, and a team has been formed to apprehend him. The arrests will happen soon," stated BJP Member of Legislative Council and State Women President Chitra Wagh.

"We're also aware the doctor had previously filed a complaint without receiving response. Every aspect will be investigated... I urge all women not to take such extreme measures... Our government stands ready to assist. The 112 helpline should be used to report such incidents, and action will follow," she continued.

The Nationalist Congress Party, another member of the ruling coalition alongside Shiv Sena, also demanded strict measures against the accused.

"This is a tragic incident. Teams have been dispatched to arrest the accused. The strictest possible action should be taken as we maintain zero tolerance toward crimes against women," NCP leader Anand Paranjape stated.

The Maharashtra State Commission for Women acknowledged the incident and confirmed it has directed police to investigate the alleged inaction regarding the doctor's previous complaint.

"The deceased doctor's body has been transferred to the hospital for autopsy. The commission has instructed Satara's Superintendent of Police to urgently locate the fugitive accused and conduct a thorough investigation of the entire case," the commission stated in multiple posts on X.

"The commission has directed police to investigate why the victimized woman received no assistance despite previously reporting harassment, and to take strict action against those responsible," the statement concluded.