A heartbreaking suicide case in Maharashtra’s Satara district has uncovered serious allegations against police officers and a Member of Parliament (MP), with a 26-year-old doctor accusing them of rape, harassment, and pressuring her to issue fake medical certificates.
The woman, who worked as a medical officer at the Phaltan sub-district hospital, left behind a four-page suicide note that revealed the trauma she had endured. In her note, she accused Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne of raping her four times and subjecting her to both mental and physical abuse for five months. She also claimed that she was coerced into issuing fraudulent fitness certificates for accused individuals, some of whom were never even examined. When she refused, she faced further harassment, including threats and intimidation.
In one instance, the doctor wrote that after refusing to provide a fake certificate, two personal assistants of an MP visited the hospital, called the MP, and had her speak to him. She said the MP indirectly threatened her during the conversation. The doctor had previously raised complaints about the pressure she faced, but no action was taken by authorities.
Despite her attempts to seek help, including writing to the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), her concerns went unaddressed. Her cousin also corroborated her claims, noting that she had made multiple complaints, but authorities failed to respond. In her letter, the doctor questioned who would be held responsible if something were to happen to her, highlighting the lack of security and support at her workplace.
The case has sparked public outrage, with authorities filing charges against Sub-Inspector Badne and her landlord, Prashant Bankar, for rape and abetment to suicide. Badne has been suspended from duty. Police are continuing to investigate the matter.
The tragic incident has triggered a political debate, with opposition parties accusing the BJP-led state government of protecting police officers and failing to act on complaints. Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar condemned the situation, questioning how justice could be served when the very people responsible for protection were exploiting a female doctor.
In response, the BJP assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, expressing condolences over the incident. BJP leader Chitra Wagh appealed to women to seek help through official channels like the 112 helpline, emphasizing that the government was committed to taking action on such cases.
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