The tragic death of a 26-year-old woman doctor in Maharashtra’s Satara district has shaken the state’s medical and political circles after her four-page suicide note revealed a chilling saga of rape, harassment, coercion, and threats allegedly involving a police officer, her landlord, and even a Member of Parliament (MP).
The young doctor, who was found dead at her government quarters earlier this week, had left behind a note accusing Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne of repeatedly raping her, landlord Prashant Bankar of harassment, and an MP of indirectly threatening her after she refused to issue a fake medical certificate for police cases.
A Promising Life Cut Short
The victim was working as a medical officer at Phaltan Sub-District Hospital and was just one month away from completing her mandatory rural bond service. She had planned to pursue her postgraduate medical studies soon after.
But according to her letter, those final months became unbearable. She wrote that she had been raped four times by Sub-Inspector Badne and subjected to severe mental and physical abuse for over five months. On her palm were the words that revealed her despair “Raped four times by Gopal Badne.”
Harassment, Pressure, and Political Influence
In her suicide note, the doctor detailed how police officials, including Badne, pressured her to issue fake fitness certificates for accused persons who had not been medically examined. When she refused, she was allegedly harassed, threatened, and intimidated.
The letter also mentioned that after she denied issuing a false certificate, two personal assistants of an MP arrived at her hospital and forced her to speak with him on the phone. The MP, she alleged, threatened her indirectly, warning her of consequences if she continued to resist.
The doctor further alleged that her landlord, identified as Prashant Bankar, had also been harassing her, adding to her emotional distress.
Complaints Ignored, Pleas Unheard
Her family members said she had repeatedly complained to senior police officers, including the Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy SP, about the harassment. However, no action was taken.
Her cousin told NDTV that she had written letters outlining the threats she faced and had even called the DSP before her death. “She had said clearly if something happens to me, who will take responsibility? She asked for security, but no one helped,” he said.
Case Registered, Officer Suspended
After her death, police registered a case against Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne and landlord Prashant Bankar under sections of rape and abetment to suicide. The accused police officer has been suspended, confirmed Inspector General of Police (Kolhapur Division) Sunil Phulari.
“We are investigating the matter on the basis of evidence gathered so far. A case has been lodged in Satara district, and the officer involved has been suspended,” Phulari told news agency PTI.
Political Firestorm in Maharashtra
The revelations have sparked a political outcry, with opposition leaders accusing the BJP-led Mahayuti government of protecting errant police officials and ignoring the doctor’s earlier complaints.
“When the protector becomes the predator! The duty of the police is to protect, but if they themselves exploit a woman doctor, how will justice be served? Why was no action taken when she had already complained?” asked Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar on X.
He alleged that the government’s continued shielding of police officials has emboldened misconduct and increased “police atrocities” in the state.
Responding to the criticism, BJP leader Chitra Wagh assured a thorough probe. “The incident is tragic and unacceptable. I have spoken to the Satara SP it’s clear she raised complaints but no action was taken. Everything will be investigated. I appeal to women not to take such extreme steps; the 112 helpline is always open for support,” Wagh said.
A Reflection of Institutional Failure
The Satara doctor’s death underscores a troubling pattern systemic failure, ignored warnings, and abuse of power. Women’s groups across Maharashtra have condemned the incident, calling it a “grim reminder of the vulnerability of women in rural postings.”
As the probe deepens, questions mount over why multiple complaints went unanswered and whether the state’s systems of accountability are truly capable of protecting those who serve within them.
The doctor’s final act, and the words she left behind, have become a searing indictment of a system that failed her and a call for justice that Maharashtra can no longer afford to ignore.
