Woman Doctor in Maharashtra Dies by Suicide, Accuses Police Officer of Raping Her 4 Times

A shocking incident unfolded in Satara district, Maharashtra, where a woman doctor employed at a government hospital was found dead in a hotel room, reportedly by suicide. Authorities say the victim left a handwritten note on her hand, alleging repeated sexual assault by a police officer over several months.

Suicide Note Reveals Alleged Abuse

In her note, the doctor named PSI Gopal Badane, accusing him of raping her multiple times over five months and subjecting her to ongoing sexual harassment. She also mentioned that another officer, Prashant Bankar, had mentally harassed her during the same period.

The note stated, "Police inspector Gopal Badne is the reason I died. He raped me four times. He subjected me to rape, mental and physical abuse for more than five months."

Following the discovery, authorities sent her body for post-mortem examination and initiated forensic analysis of the handwritten note to verify its authenticity. Officials confirmed that the findings would be crucial in guiding the subsequent legal proceedings.

Prior Complaints Highlight Ongoing Harassment

Months before her death, the doctor had formally raised similar allegations against police officers in a letter to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Phaltan Sub-Division on June 19. She named Badane, Sub-Divisional Police Inspector Patil, and Assistant Police Inspector Ladputre, urging action against their misconduct.

She wrote in her letter:"Under extreme stress, hence, requested that the serious matter be investigated and appropriate action be taken against the guilty officers."

Her role as a medical officer at Phaltan sub-district hospital gave her a platform to raise these concerns, but despite her efforts, the harassment reportedly continued.

Official Response and Political Fallout

Following the suicide, PSI Gopal Badane has been suspended on the orders of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. No formal statements have yet been issued by the other officers named in the note or by the police department regarding the allegations.

The tragic incident, which occurred on Thursday night, sparked widespread outrage and triggered a political debate across Maharashtra on Friday, drawing attention to issues of harassment and accountability within law enforcement.