India
A 28-year-old woman doctor working at a government hospital in Maharashtra’s Satara district was found dead in a hotel room late Thursday night, in what police suspect to be a case of suicide. The case has taken a disturbing turn after a note was found written on her palm, alleging rape and harassment by two police officers over the past five months.
According to officials, the note accused sub-inspector Gopal Badane of repeatedly raping and sexually harassing her, while another officer, Prashant Bankar, was named for mentally torturing her. The shocking revelation has triggered statewide outrage, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordering immediate suspension of the accused officers and promising a thorough investigation.
Confirming the case, Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi said, “A case has been registered against both accused under sections of rape and abetment to suicide. The sub-inspector has been suspended, and search operations are underway to locate both officers.”
The Maharashtra Women’s Commission has also taken cognisance of the case. Chairperson Rupali Chakankar said, “This is a serious issue. We have instructed the Satara Police to ensure strict and swift action against the accused.”
Adding to the controversy, the victim’s relatives have alleged that she was under pressure to falsify postmortem reports at the hospital. Her cousin told news agency ANI that she was repeatedly asked by police and local politicians to alter findings in certain cases. “There was a lot of political and police pressure on her to make wrong postmortem reports. She tried to complain but no one helped. My sister should get justice,” the cousin said.
Family members also confirmed that the young doctor had confided in them about harassment by senior colleagues. One of her aunts said, “She was bright and hardworking. We raised her since childhood and supported her medical education. She told us she was facing harassment at work. Just two days ago, she mentioned being troubled by her seniors.”
Her tragic death has drawn parallels to other recent incidents involving female doctors and medical staff facing workplace abuse and mental stress. Students and health workers across Maharashtra have begun demanding stronger safeguards for women in the medical profession and accountability for those misusing their power.
The police have sent the body for post-mortem and are awaiting forensic and handwriting reports to verify the details of the note. Meanwhile, both accused officers remain untraceable, and the investigation continues under close monitoring by the Maharashtra Home Department.
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