The 32-year-old doctor, originally from Beed district, was found hanging in a hotel room in Phaltan late Thursday night.
A young woman doctor working at a government hospital in Satara, Maharashtra, has died by suicide, leaving behind a chilling note written on her hand. In her final message, she accused two police officers of sexually assaulting and mentally harassing her for several months. The shocking case has triggered outrage and prompted immediate action from the state government.
The 32-year-old doctor, originally from Beed district, was found hanging in a hotel room in Phaltan late Thursday night. She worked at the Phaltan sub-district hospital. According to police, a suicide note was discovered written on her palm, in which she mentioned the names of two police officers — PSI Gopal Badane and Prashant Bankar.
“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 on her palm reportedly read.
Investigators said the doctor had earlier expressed fear and distress to her seniors, complaining about continuous harassment. She had even warned that she might take her own life if the harassment did not stop. Her colleagues claimed that despite repeated complaints, no significant action was taken by the higher authorities.
“She had confided in some of us about the pressure she was facing,” said one of her coworkers. “We never imagined it would end like this.”
Following the public outrage, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the immediate suspension of PSI Gopal Badane. Police officials confirmed that forensic tests are being conducted to verify the authenticity of the suicide note.
“The note found on her hand will be examined by handwriting experts and forensic teams,” an officer said. “We will ensure a transparent and thorough investigation.”
Sources revealed that the doctor had been involved in a dispute between the local police and the health department over medical examinations. This disagreement had reportedly led to an internal departmental inquiry against her, adding to her stress.
Officials said that after her death, both police and health department authorities are facing questions about whether her complaints were ignored.
The incident has sparked widespread anger among medical professionals across Maharashtra. Several doctors’ associations have demanded strict action against the accused officers and an independent probe into the case.
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) released a statement saying, “This is a tragic reminder of how harassment and lack of accountability can destroy lives. We demand immediate justice and protection for all healthcare professionals.”
Authorities have promised swift action as the investigation continues.
