The state of Maharashtra is reeling from the tragic suicide of a woman doctor who, in her dying declaration, leveled grave accusations of rape and sustained abuse against a police sub-inspector. The doctor, employed at the Phaltan sub-district hospital, died on Thursday night, leaving behind a note written on her palm identifying Inspector Gopal Badne as her alleged perpetrator. Badne has since been suspended pending investigation.
The note details a disturbing pattern of sexual assault, stating the doctor was raped four times and subjected to relentless physical and mental cruelty. Law enforcement has confirmed that a case has been registered against Badne and another party for rape and abetment of suicide. Officials have vowed to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and ensure stringent legal repercussions for those involved.
Further investigation into the incident has uncovered that the doctor had made a formal complaint to senior police officials in June, highlighting harassment by three officers from the local rural police station. The apparent inaction on her previous report has fueled public anger and sparked a political debate, with opposition leaders criticizing the state government’s perceived leniency towards law enforcement officials accused of misconduct.
The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has intervened, launching its own inquiry into the handling of the doctor’s earlier complaint and directing police to investigate the reasons for the delay in action. An FIR has been registered, and a manhunt is currently active for the two individuals named in the case, Gopal Badne and Prashant Bankar, who are evading authorities.