Fri Oct 24 09:16:01 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Doctor Dies by Suicide in Satara, Accuses Police Officer of Rape and Harassment in Suicide Note
Satara, Maharashtra – A woman doctor at a sub-district hospital in Phaltan, Satara, tragically died by suicide on Thursday night, leaving behind a suicide note accusing a police sub-inspector of repeated rape and harassment. The victim, who was working as a medical officer, alleged that SI Gopal Badne subjected her to physical and mental abuse over a period of five months, ultimately driving her to take her own life.
In a note inscribed on her left palm, the doctor detailed the alleged abuse and named Badne as the direct cause of her death. This incident follows a previous complaint filed by the victim on June 19 with the Deputy Superintendent of Police, where she named Badne and two other officers (Sub-Divisional Police Inspector Patil and Assistant Police Inspector Ladputre) from the Phaltan Rural Police Department, seeking legal action against them for harassment.
The suicide has ignited a political firestorm in Maharashtra, with opposition leaders like Congress’ Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar condemning the ruling Mahayuti government for inaction and shielding the police. Wadettiwar called for the immediate sacking of the accused officers and demanded accountability for those who ignored the doctor’s initial complaint.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a part of the ruling coalition, has assured a thorough investigation into the matter. BJP MLC Chitra Wagh stated that an FIR is being filed, and efforts are underway to arrest the absconding accused. She acknowledged the lack of action on the initial complaint and urged women to use the 112 helpline for immediate assistance.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), also part of the ruling alliance, echoed calls for strict action against the accused, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards atrocities against women.
The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has taken cognizance of the incident and directed the police to investigate the alleged inaction regarding the doctor’s initial complaint. The Commission has instructed the Superintendent of Police, Satara, to urgently locate and arrest the accused, conduct a thorough investigation and further probe why the doctor did not receive help.
SI Gopal Badne has been suspended following orders from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. An autopsy has been ordered, and the investigation is ongoing.
First Piper 