Maharashtra doctor who accused cop of rape died under pressure to fabricate reports, says cousin | VIDEO

Satara, Maharashtra: The death by suicide of a government doctor in Satara, who had accused a police officer of raping her multiple times, has led to a police investigation and raised serious concerns over alleged political and police pressure.

The victim’s cousin revealed on Friday that the doctor had been coerced into fabricating autopsy reports and was under intense pressure from both police and political figures. Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, “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.”

He added that the doctor was forced to produce medical fitness reports for patients who had never visited the hospital. The victim had documented her allegations in a suicide note written on her hand before taking her life.

Background

The woman doctor, who was allegedly raped four times over five months by a police sub-inspector (SI), died by suicide at a district hospital in Satara on Thursday night.

In a note written on her left palm, the doctor accused SI Gopal Badne of repeated physical and mental abuse, stating that his constant harassment had driven her to take her own life. Badne has since been suspended. The note also named another officer, Prashant Bankar, accusing him of mental harassment.

“Police inspector Gopal Badne is the reason I died. He raped me four times and subjected me to mental and physical abuse for more than five months,” the note read.

Following nationwide outrage, Satara District Police have launched an investigation. PSI Gopal Badane, accused in the case, has been suspended immediately. Another individual named Banker has also been booked. Both face charges of rape and abetment of suicide.

Satara District SP Tushar Doshi stated, “Satara District Police have registered a case against PSI Gopal Badane and another civilian, namely Bankar, under charges of rape and abetment to suicide. The accused PSI has been suspended from duty with immediate effect. Police have launched an investigation into the case. Our teams are trying to locate the two accused. A thorough probe and stringent action will be taken.”

Reacting to the incident, Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde said, “Detailed investigation will be carried out into the case... A media trial should not be done. Justice should be served. If an educated doctor, who saves so many lives, has to go through what she went through, it is very unfortunate. Our Home Minister, the Chief Minister will take cognisance and ensure that justice is served.”