Maharashtra: Govt woman doctor ends life, suicide note on palm claims cop raped her

Relatives allege pressure on doctor to alter medical reports of accused persons

- MPOST BUREAU

A 28-year-old woman doctor working at a government hospital in Maharashtra’s Satara district was found dead in a hotel room in Phaltan late on Thursday night, in what police said appeared to be a case of suicide. The doctor left behind a note written on her palm, alleging that she had been raped and harassed for months by a police sub-inspector and a software engineer.

The incident has sparked outrage and political reactions across the state, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to order the immediate suspension of the police officer named in the note.

On her palm, the doctor had written details of her ordeal, naming police sub-inspector Gopal Badane and software engineer Prashant Bankar. The note reportedly stated, “Badne raped me four times. He subjected me to rape, mental and physical abuse for more than five months.”

Police said both Badane and Bankar have been booked under sections related to rape and abetment of suicide. The note also mentioned that the doctor had been under severe mental distress due to prolonged harassment.

According to officials, the deceased hailed from Beed district and was posted as a medical officer at Phaltan Sub-District Hospital.