A woman doctor from Maharashtra’s Satara district died by suicide on Thursday night after accusing a police officer of rape and harassment. The shocking case has sparked anger and forced the government to act swiftly.
The doctor, who worked at Phaltan Sub-District Hospital, was found dead in her quarters late Thursday. She wrote a note on her left palm, naming Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne and accusing him of raping her four times in five months. She also blamed him for mental and physical torture.
Her note said, “Police inspector Gopal Badne is the reason I died. He raped me four times and abused me for five months.” She also mentioned another officer, Prashant Bankar, for mental harassment.
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Doctor Warned Police Months Ago
Investigators found that the doctor had earlier complained about these officers. On June 19, she wrote to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Phaltan, accusing Badne, Sub-Divisional Police Inspector Patil, and Assistant Police Inspector Ladputre of harassment.
In her letter, she said she was under severe stress and asked senior officers to act against them. Despite her plea, no action followed. Sources said Badne continued to harass her, worsening her trauma.
CM Fadnavis Orders Swift Action
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who heads the Home Department, ordered Badne’s suspension after learning about the case. He also asked the Satara Superintendent of Police to form a special investigation team.
“The government will take the strongest possible action against the guilty,” the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said. Fadnavis also demanded an inquiry into why the earlier complaint was ignored.
Political Outrage Over Police Negligence
The case triggered a political storm across Maharashtra. Opposition leaders accused the Mahayuti government of protecting errant police officers.
Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar slammed the state government. “When protectors become predators, justice collapses. Why didn’t the police act earlier? The government protects such officers, which fuels more atrocities,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He demanded the immediate dismissal of the accused and punishment for officers who ignored the victim’s earlier complaint. “Until the system punishes both the culprits and their protectors, such crimes will continue,” he said.
Ruling Alliance Promises Justice
BJP leader and State Women’s Wing President Chitra Wagh said she spoke to the Satara SP. “The FIR process is underway. One accused has fled the district, and a team is tracking him. He will be arrested soon,” she said.
She confirmed that the doctor had previously complained but did not receive help. “We will investigate the lapse. I urge women to use the 112 helpline for immediate assistance. The government stands with every victim,” she added.
NCP leader Anand Paranjape also demanded firm action. “This incident is tragic. The police must arrest the accused quickly. The government has zero tolerance for crimes against women,” he said.
Women’s Commission Seeks Accountability
The Maharashtra State Commission for Women ordered the Satara police to conduct a transparent probe. It also asked officers to explain why the earlier complaint failed to trigger any response.
“The Commission has told police to trace the accused immediately and submit a full report,” its statement read. “Officers who ignored the victim’s earlier plea must face consequences.”
Police teams are now collecting evidence and searching for the absconding officer. The doctor’s body underwent post-mortem examination, and investigators expect results soon.
This tragedy exposes deep flaws in handling sexual harassment complaints and highlights the urgent need for accountability within the police force. Public pressure continues to mount as citizens demand swift justice for the young doctor.
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