Maharashtra Doctor Suicide: Father Demands Death Penalty for Accused Police Officer and Techie in Shocking Case

The father of a 26-year-old doctor who died by suicide in Maharashtra's Satara has made an emotional plea for the death penalty for those responsible for his daughter's tragic demise. The young medical officer, who worked at a government hospital in Phaltan, was discovered hanging on Thursday night with a suicide note written on her palm.

In her final message, the doctor accused police sub-inspector Gopal Badane of sexual assault and software engineer Prashant Bankar of subjecting her to months of mental harassment. The victim had been living as a tenant in property owned by Bankar's father.

Addressing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directly, the grieving father stated, "My only demand is that the culprits should be punished with death by hanging. That's all. There is nothing else. This is my demand."

He further emphasized, "This happened to my daughter. But at least from now on, such atrocities should not happen to other daughters. So, the people who do this should definitely be punished with the death penalty."

Drawing a poignant parallel to the Mahabharata, the father lamented, "While the injustice was happening, everyone just stood and watched. There were Duryodhana and Dushasana there, but not a single Krishna came forward to help my daughter. So, for the sake of the daughters in the future, at least one Krishna should come forward and protect her honour."

His reference recalls the epic's scene where Draupadi, humiliated by Dushasana, found salvation only through Krishna's divine intervention—a protector the doctor never found in her time of need.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured the public that "anyone involved directly or indirectly in the case won't be spared." He acknowledged the doctor's suffering, saying, "The doctor dying by suicide and writing such a letter on her hand shows the pain she went through. Yesterday, we suspended the officer involved. We have initiated an investigation, and no one will be spared."

A relative of the victim revealed that she had repeatedly reported the harassment to authorities, including submitting formal complaints to the Superintendent of Police and Deputy Superintendent of Police, but no action was taken.

Beyond the palm note, the doctor left a comprehensive four-page suicide letter detailing allegations of pressure from police officials and even a Member of Parliament to issue fraudulent fitness certificates for accused criminals. She described being harassed when she refused to comply with these unethical demands.

NDTV's investigation uncovered that the doctor had previously faced accusations from police. A complaint dated September 22 alleged she was "troublesome" and "uncooperative" during medical examinations of suspects. However, in her suicide letter, she countered that she was being pressured to issue fake certificates, often for individuals who weren't even brought in for examination.

Prashant Bankar was apprehended in Pune and charged with abetment of suicide. A Satara district court has placed him in police custody for four days. Sub-inspector Badane was arrested Saturday evening and has been suspended from service.

The case has sparked political controversy, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve criticizing Fadnavis, who oversees the home portfolio. Danve wrote on social media, "There is a need for women's security more than that of 'Ladki Bahin'. If people who flourished under the wings of Fadnavis are harassing women in such a manner, then Fadnavis has failed as the Home Minister and should resign."