Maharashtra woman doctor dies by suicide, accuses police officers of rape and harassment

Pune: A woman doctor working at a government hospital in Phaltan tehsil, Satara district, allegedly died by suicide on Thursday night, leaving behind a note accusing two local police personnel of rape and mental harassment over a five-month period.

The doctor, a native of Beed district, was found hanging in a hotel room in Phaltan. Police were alerted to the scene late in the evening, and the body was sent for post-mortem examination. According to officials, the suicide note was written on her palm and named sub-inspector Gopal Badane and constable Prashant Bankar.

In the note, the doctor alleged that Badane had raped and sexually harassed her repeatedly, while Bankar subjected her to mental harassment. The Satara police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the allegations.

Taking swift action, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home Department portfolio, ordered the immediate suspension of the officers named in the note. He directed the Satara superintendent of police to ensure strict action against all those involved, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.

Maharashtra Women’s Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar condemned the incident and confirmed that teams had been deployed to locate the accused. “We have taken cognisance of the matter and ordered Satara Police to take strict action against the accused. Teams have been deployed to hunt the accused. Those involved in this unfortunate incident will not be spared,” she said.