Maharashtra Doctor Suicide Case: Rape Victim's Note Reveals MP Pressure and Police Corruption

The deceased doctor detailed in her letter that she faced pressure to issue fraudulent fitness certificates for accused individuals in police cases.

Mumbai:

The 26-year-old doctor who died by suicide in Maharashtra's Satara left a comprehensive four-page suicide note revealing disturbing details. In addition to writing on her palm about being raped four times by Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne, her letter disclosed that she was coerced to issue fake fitness certificates for accused persons in police cases. When she refused, she faced harassment not only from police officials but also from a member of Parliament and his personal assistants.

The medical officer at Phaltan sub-district hospital in Satara had been enduring mental and physical abuse for over five months. With just one month remaining to complete her mandatory rural service bond period before pursuing post-graduate studies, she was subjected to escalating pressure and harassment.

According to the suicide note obtained by NDTV, police officers regularly pressured her to issue fraudulent fitness certificates for accused individuals, many of whom were never brought in for actual medical examinations. Her refusals resulted in harassment from Badne and other officers.

In one particularly troubling incident, she described how after refusing to issue a certificate, two personal assistants of a member of Parliament entered the hospital, connected her with the MP via phone, who then proceeded to issue veiled threats.

The victim's cousin corroborated these allegations, stating, "She had raised complaints on two to three occasions. Despite writing a letter to the Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), no action was taken."

He further added, "In the letter, she asked that if anything happened to her, who would be responsible for it? She also flagged the lack of security at the premises, but nothing happened. She also called the DSP, who said he would call her back, but no one took any action."

The doctor's suicide note also mentioned harassment by her landlord, Prashant Bankar.

Authorities have filed a case against both Badne and Bankar on charges of rape and abetment to suicide, and the police officer has been suspended. Sunil Phulari, Inspector General of Police (Kolhapur division), stated, "We are investigating the matter on the basis of evidence gathered so far. A case has been lodged in Satara district. The police officer involved in the case has been suspended."

The tragic incident has sparked political controversy, with the Congress party criticizing the BJP-led state government. Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar posted on X: "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."

In response, BJP leader Chitra Wagh assured a thorough investigation: "The incident is unfortunate, 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... 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 such complaints and action will be taken."