A woman doctor in Satara district, Maharashtra, reportedly raped four times over five months by a police sub-inspector (SI), died by suicide at a district hospital on Thursday night.
Allegations in Suicide Note
The victim left a note on her left palm accusing SI Gopal Badne of repeated physical and mental abuse, stating that his harassment forced her to take her life. The note also named police officer Prashant Bankar for mental harassment.
"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," the note reportedly said.
The doctor, who served as a medical officer at Phaltan sub-district hospital, had previously raised similar allegations in a letter to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Phaltan on June 19. In her letter, she accused Badne, Sub-Divisional Police Inspector Patil, and Assistant Police Inspector Ladputre of harassment, requesting a serious investigation and appropriate action.
Administrative Action
Sources reported that SI Gopal Badne has been suspended on the orders of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Political Reactions
The incident triggered a political row in the state:
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Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar, State Congress leader, criticized the government, saying: "When the protector becomes the predator… The duty of the police is to protect, but if they themselves are exploiting a female doctor, how will justice be served?" He demanded that all officers involved be sacked immediately and action taken against those who ignored her earlier complaints.
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BJP State Women President Chitra Wagh assured a thorough investigation: "The process to register a First Information Report is underway. A team has been formed to arrest the accused, and strict action will be taken." She urged women to use the 112 helpline for complaints.
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NCP leader Anand Paranjape also called for strict action, stating: "Zero tolerance policy towards atrocities against women. Teams have been sent to arrest the accused."
Maharashtra State Commission for Women Response
The Maharashtra State Commission for Women directed police to probe the alleged inaction on the doctor’s earlier complaint and to conduct a thorough investigation. Her body has been sent for autopsy.
"The commission has instructed the police to investigate why the victimised woman did not receive help despite previously complaining about the harassment she faced and to take strict action against those responsible," the commission added.
This tragic case has sparked widespread outrage over police accountability and the protection of women in Maharashtra.