Satara Doctor’s Four-Page Suicide Note Brings New Revelations About Rape and Political Pressure

As the investigation into the death of a young Maharashtra doctor deepens, disturbing revelations have surfaced. The 26-year-old medical officer, who took her own life in Satara district, had earlier accused a police officer of repeatedly raping her and detailed the mental harassment she faced in a four-page suicide note.

MP Named in Suicide Note Over Threat Allegations

In her letter, the doctor mentioned that a Member of Parliament (MP) had indirectly threatened her after she refused to issue a false medical certificate. The note also sheds light on the growing pressure she faced to produce fake fitness certificates for accused individuals who were never examined by her.

According to her statement, she was coerced by certain police personnel, and even political figures, to falsify documents. The doctor described how she was cornered and mentally tortured when she denied participating in such malpractice.

Doctor Alleges Rape and Harassment by Police Officer

The deceased, who served as a medical officer at Phaltan sub-district hospital, had also made shocking accusations against Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne. On her palm, she had reportedly written that she was raped four times by the officer and subjected to physical and psychological abuse over a period of five months.

Having served at the hospital for nearly two years, the doctor was just a month away from completing her mandatory rural service bond. She had planned to pursue postgraduate medical studies once her tenure ended.

In her note, she claimed police officials persistently forced her to certify accused individuals without conducting medical checkups. When she resisted, she allegedly faced severe harassment from Badne and others.

MP's Personal Assistants Confronted Her at Hospital

Recounting one particular incident, the doctor wrote that after she refused to issue a fraudulent certificate, two personal assistants of the MP arrived at the hospital and made her talk to the politician over the phone. During the conversation, the MP allegedly threatened her in an indirect manner.

Her cousin also confirmed that she had complained about such pressures several times. "She had raised complaints on two to three occasions. Despite writing a letter to the Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), no action was taken," he told NDTV on Friday.

He further added, "In the letter, she asked that if anything happened to her, who would be responsible for it? She also flagged the lack of security at the premises, but nothing happened. She also called the DSP, who said he would call her back, but no one took any action."

Landlord Among Accused; Police Officer Suspended

The doctor's suicide note also named her landlord, identified as Prashant Bankar, alleging harassment by him as well. Following her death, authorities registered a case against Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne and Bankar under charges of rape and abetment to suicide.

Police officials have confirmed that the accused officer has been suspended. "We are investigating the matter on the basis of evidence gathered so far. A case has been lodged in Satara district. The police officer involved in the case has been suspended," said Sunil Phulari, Inspector General of Police (Kolhapur division), while speaking to PTI.