Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken serious note of the incident and ordered the immediate suspension of the accused officers named in the note. (Photo: Social Media)
A 28-year-old woman doctor from a government hospital in Maharashtra’s Satara district allegedly died by suicide on Thursday night. Police discovered a chilling message written on her palm, accusing two police officers of rape and harassment over the past five months. The shocking revelation has triggered widespread outrage across the state.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken serious note of the incident and ordered the immediate suspension of the accused officers named in the note.
The young doctor, who worked at a government hospital in Satara, was found hanging in a hotel room late on Thursday night. Her death has raised serious questions about workplace safety and police accountability.
“We have registered a case, and the body has been sent for post-mortem. We are also investigating the allegations mentioned in the suicide note on the victim's hand,” a Satara Police official told PTI.
The doctor accused sub-inspector Gopal Badane of repeatedly raping and sexually harassing her. She also named another officer, Prashant Bankar, alleging that he subjected her to mental harassment.
Maharashtra Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar said, “We have taken cognizance of the matter and ordered Satara Police to take strict action against the accused.”
The doctor’s family claimed that she was under immense pressure from police and political figures to falsify postmortem reports. Her cousin told ANI, “There was a lot of police and political pressure on her to make wrong mortem reports. She tried to complain about it. My sister should get justice.”
Her relatives revealed that the doctor had been facing workplace harassment for months. One of her aunts said, “She was bright and ambitious. We raised her since childhood and supported her education. She was under pressure at work, and that is why she took this extreme step. The culprits must be punished.”
Another relative added, “Just two days ago, she mentioned being harassed by seniors at work.”
Following CM Fadnavis’ intervention, Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi confirmed that both accused officers have been booked under charges of rape and abetment to suicide.
“A thorough probe and stringent action will be taken,” Doshi told reporters. Chief Minister Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, said he had spoken to the Satara SP and directed immediate suspension of the officers named in the note.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing concern over harassment of women professionals, even within government institutions.
