Satara: A 29-year-old woman doctor working at a government hospital in Maharashtra’s Satara district was found dead in a hotel room on Thursday night, October 23, in an apparent case of suicide. According to police, the doctor allegedly died by suicide after suffering sexual assault and prolonged harassment. Her case has sparked outrage across the state, drawing strong political reactions and demands for a special investigation team (SIT).
Doctor found dead in hotel room
The doctor, employed as a medical officer on a contractual basis at a government hospital in Phaltan, Satara, was discovered hanging in a hotel room. A note written on her palm in Marathi alleged that she was raped multiple times by a police officer and subjected to harassment by her landlord’s son. Police said the accused sub-inspector, identified as Gopal Badane from the Phaltan City police station, has been suspended and is currently absconding.
According to investigating officials, the victim and Badane were related and both hailed from Beed district. The other accused, identified as Prashant Bankar, the son of the doctor’s landlord, allegedly harassed her mentally and physically for months. An FIR has been registered against both men under charges of rape and abetment to suicide.
Allegations of pressure to manipulate medical reports
Family members of the deceased have levelled serious allegations, claiming the doctor faced professional pressure and threats from police and political figures. Her cousin alleged that she was being forced to issue “medically fit” certificates for individuals in police custody without proper medical examination. He further claimed that she was asked to prepare “fake” post-mortem reports under duress.
“She refused to issue fitness certificates without examining patients and was being harassed for standing by her ethics,” the cousin said. He also mentioned that the victim had lodged a complaint against three police officers earlier this year, naming the sub-inspector now accused of rape.
Police officials have denied that her earlier complaint was related to sexual assault. “She did file a complaint in June-July, but it was about a different matter,” a Satara police officer told reporters.
Police response and investigation
Satara superintendent of police Tushar Doshi confirmed that the FIR was registered based on a complaint filed by the doctor’s family. “A case under charges of rape and abetment to suicide has been lodged. One accused has been arrested, and search operations are underway to locate the absconding officer,” Doshi said.
A senior police official told news agency PTI that prior to her death, the doctor had exchanged text messages with Bankar, her landlord’s son. These messages are now part of the investigation. Bankar was later arrested, while the suspended sub-inspector remains missing. Police have sent the victim’s body for post-mortem examination and are awaiting the final report.
Political reactions and demand for SIT probe
The case has triggered a political storm in Maharashtra. The opposition Congress party has accused the ruling Mahayuti government of failing to protect women in the state. “The Fadnavis-led government has failed to ensure women’s safety,” said Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant.
Echoing similar sentiments, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena’s spokesperson Sushma Andhare demanded the formation of a special investigation team to ensure a fair and independent probe. “Given the involvement of police personnel in the allegations, only an SIT can ensure justice,” she stated.
In response, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed the police to take strict action against those found guilty. “No one will be spared, regardless of their position,” he said, assuring a transparent investigation.
Broader implications and public outrage
The incident has reignited debates over women’s safety and the treatment of female professionals in public service roles. Medical associations and women’s rights groups have condemned the alleged harassment, calling for stronger safeguards for women working in government institutions. The Indian Medical Association’s Maharashtra chapter expressed grief and called for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
The case also highlights concerns about the misuse of power by law enforcement officers. Legal experts have urged for expedited hearings in cases involving custodial and workplace harassment, citing the need for better accountability mechanisms within police departments.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, both accused face severe charges under sections related to rape and abetment of suicide. The victim’s death has shaken the medical and administrative community in Maharashtra, exposing deep-rooted issues of workplace coercion and abuse of authority. With mounting political pressure and public anger, authorities are now under scrutiny to ensure justice for the young doctor and her family.
