The young doctor, employed at a government hospital in Satara’s Phaltan area, was found hanging in a hotel room on Thursday night, October 23. Police said a note written on her palm in Marathi accused sub-inspector Gopal Badane of the Phaltan City Police Station of raping her multiple times. The note also mentioned continued mental and physical harassment by Prashant Bankar, the son of her landlord.
According to police sources, both accused have been booked under sections related to rape and abetment to suicide. The victim’s body has been sent for post-mortem, and a search operation is underway to locate the absconding sub-inspector.
Victim reportedly faced pressure to manipulate medical reports
The case took a darker turn after the victim’s cousin alleged that she was being pressured to prepare false “medically fit” certificates for certain individuals under police and political influence. He claimed she refused to issue such reports, following which she faced continuous threats and pressure from authorities.
He further alleged that she had earlier lodged a complaint against three police officers, including Badane, between June and July this year. However, local police officials claimed that the earlier complaint was unrelated to the current allegations.
Police initiate investigation, accused officer suspended
Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi confirmed that an FIR has been registered based on the family’s complaint. “Both accused have been booked under sections of rape and abetment to suicide. The police sub-inspector has been suspended pending investigation,” he said.
Officials said the victim and the accused officer were relatives and originally hailed from Beed district. The other accused, Bankar, is in police custody for questioning. A forensic team has collected the victim’s mobile phone and other evidence from the hotel room.
Political storm hits Maharashtra government
The tragic incident has triggered a major political controversy in Maharashtra. The opposition Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) attacked the Mahayuti government, alleging administrative negligence and lack of women’s safety.
Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant accused Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of failing to protect women in the state. “The government has failed miserably to provide a safe environment for women. This incident exposes the collapse of law and order,” Sawant said.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Sushma Andhare demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure an impartial probe. “A police officer himself being accused of rape is horrifying. Only a neutral SIT can bring justice,” she said.
Responding to public outrage, Fadnavis instructed the police to take strict and immediate action against those involved. The Chief Minister’s Office stated that “no one, regardless of rank or relation, will be spared if found guilty.”
Nation demands justice
The case has sparked nationwide outrage on social media, with hashtags like #JusticeForMaharashtraDoctor trending. Women’s rights groups and medical associations have called for stronger workplace protection and mental health support systems for healthcare workers.
As investigations continue, the tragic death of the young doctor has reignited debates about the safety of women professionals, accountability in law enforcement, and the urgent need for systemic reforms in Maharashtra’s public institutions.