In a disturbing case from Maharashtra’s Satara district, a woman doctor allegedly died by suicide after accusing a police sub-inspector (SI) of repeatedly raping and harassing her over five months. The allegations were found written on her palm in a suicide note, which has triggered statewide outrage and political uproar.
The doctor, employed as a medical officer at Phaltan sub-district hospital, accused SI Gopal Badne of subjecting her to both mental and physical abuse, stating that his harassment drove her to take her life.
The incident occurred on Thursday night, and authorities confirmed that the accused officer has been suspended pending investigation.
Suicide Note and Prior Complaint Reveal Pattern of Harassment
Investigators said that a note written on the victim’s palm explicitly named the accused.
“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 read.
Further inquiry revealed that the victim had earlier lodged a written complaint with the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Phaltan, on June 19, accusing three officers — SI Gopal Badne, SDPO Patil, and API Ladputre — of harassment.
In her letter, she said she was “under extreme stress” and requested legal action against the officials. However, no action was reportedly taken at the time.
Government Responds: SI Suspended Following CM’s Directive
Sources confirmed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the suspension of SI Gopal Badne following the suicide note’s revelations.
BJP leader and State Women’s President Chitra Wagh said the case is being treated with “the utmost seriousness.”
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“The incident is unfortunate. I have spoken to the Satara Superintendent of Police. The FIR process is underway, and a team has been formed to arrest the accused. One of them is outside Satara, but he will be arrested soon,” Wagh said.
She added that the government was aware that the doctor had previously filed a complaint and that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
“I urge women not to take such extreme steps. The government is ready to help. The 112 helpline should be used to register such complaints, and action will be taken immediately,” she said.
Political Outcry Over Police Accountability
The incident has quickly turned into a political flashpoint in Maharashtra. State Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar condemned the ruling Mahayuti government, alleging that police atrocities were rising under its watch.
“When the protector becomes the predator! If the police themselves exploit a female doctor, how will justice be served? The Mahayuti government repeatedly shields the police, leading to an increase in such incidents,” he said on X.
He further demanded strict action against those responsible for ignoring the doctor’s previous complaint.
“Merely ordering an inquiry is not enough. These police officers should be sacked. Those who shielded them must also face action,” Wadettiwar said.
Authorities Pledge Full Investigation
The Satara Police confirmed that an FIR is being registered, and forensic teams are examining the note written on the victim’s palm. The state administration has assured that the case will be handled transparently and swiftly.
The tragic incident has reignited debates about police accountability, women’s safety, and the handling of sexual harassment complaints in Maharashtra’s law enforcement system.
