Maharashtra Doctor Suicide: Phone Evidence Reveals Final Messages and Unaddressed Harassment Claims

A note written on the doctor's palm identified Badane and Bankar, both of whom have been arrested in connection with the case.

Mumbai:

Police investigation into the death of a 28-year-old doctor in Maharashtra's Satara has taken a significant turn after discovering text messages between the victim and one of the accused that indicated her distressed mental state. Reports reveal the doctor attended a religious ceremony at accused Prashant Bankar's residence prior to her death. Following a disagreement, she departed and checked into the hotel where she allegedly took her own life.

Her body was discovered in the hotel room the next day. A message written on her palm accused suspended police sub-inspector Gopal Badane of sexual assault and Bankar, a software engineer whose father was her landlord, of subjecting her to extended psychological harassment. Authorities have arrested both individuals.

Satara Police Chief Tushar Doshi confirmed that investigators have recovered communications between the deceased doctor and both accused men. While communication between the doctor and Badane ceased in March, she maintained contact with Bankar and visited his home before moving to the hotel where she died. Investigators also found evidence that a previous dispute between the doctor and the police inspector had been resolved through mediation.

Religious Ceremony Preceding the Tragedy

Maharashtra Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar told media that the doctor had visited Bankar's residence for a Lakshmi Puja ceremony. "During the Laxmi Pujan celebration, the deceased was at Bankar's house. Apparently, they argued over photography issues, as the pictures were not properly taken. After this disagreement, the doctor left the premises. Bankar's father subsequently brought her back, but she departed again to stay at a lodge," Chakankar explained.

"Call records show the deceased was in contact with PSI Badane until March, with no further communication between them afterward," Chakankar added.

The doctor reportedly sent messages to Bankar suggesting she might take drastic action and called him that night. According to preliminary autopsy findings, the case appears to be suicide by hanging.

Police Chief Doshi verified that the female doctor was communicating with Bankar before the incident through message exchanges. "We are also investigating the rape allegations mentioned in the suicide note against PSI Badane, examining their location data and communications," he stated.

Unaddressed Complaints

In the months before her death, the doctor had reported harassment by Badane and other police personnel, but these complaints apparently received inadequate follow-up. These allegations are now under thorough examination.

On June 19 this year, she submitted a written complaint to the Deputy Superintendent of Police in Phaltan, specifically naming Badane and other officers. She claimed police were pressuring her to issue fraudulent fitness certificates for criminal defendants.

This was met with a counter-complaint in which Phaltan rural police accused the doctor of "obstructing a medical investigation." Multiple communications from the doctor indicated extreme distress resulting from alleged harassment.

Protesters responding to the doctor's death allege systematic failures and emphasize the tragedy of her repeated unaddressed complaints that seemingly drove her to desperation.

Political Controversy

The 28-year-old doctor's suicide has ignited significant political debate, with Opposition parties criticizing the Devendra Fadnavis government.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, described the situation as an "institutional murder." He stated: "A promising doctor who aspired to alleviate others' suffering became a victim of persecution by criminals entrenched in a corrupt system and power structure. The very authorities responsible for protecting the public committed heinous crimes against this innocent woman—rape and exploitation. When power shields criminals, from whom can justice be expected?"

Chief Minister Fadnavis has accused the Opposition of politicizing the tragedy. "Police immediately arrested the suspects. All case details are emerging. We will not rest until justice is served for our little sister. However, certain individuals attempt to politicize every situation... This concerns our little sister... no compromise will be made," he affirmed.