Maharashtra Doctor Suicide: Family Alleges Cover-Up, Demands SIT Probe as New Twists Emerge in Satara Case

Maharashtra doctor suicide has taken a disturbing new turn after the family of the deceased government medical officer from Satara district alleged serious procedural lapses and possible tampering of evidence. The 29-year-old doctor, posted at a government hospital in Phaltan, was found hanging inside a hotel room last week, sparking widespread outrage across Maharashtra’s medical community.

A suicide note written in Marathi on her palm accused Phaltan City Police Station Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane of raping her four times and her landlord’s son, software engineer Prashant Bankar, of mentally and physically harassing her over several months. Both accused have since been arrested, but the case continues to reveal new and troubling details.

Family Alleges Delay and Cover-Up

The doctor’s cousin told Bharat Details that the family was not promptly informed about the handling of her remains.

“No one was there to perform her post-mortem till 6 a.m. They brought her body from her residence to the hospital in our absence. All this should have happened in front of the family members,” the cousin alleged.

The family also suspects the existence of another suicide note, possibly left behind at the scene but not yet recovered. “She was brave and had written several complaint letters before. We believe she would not end her life with just a short note on her palm,” the cousin added.

Family Demands SIT Probe for Fair Investigation

The victim’s relatives have demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that includes a woman officer from outside Maharashtra to ensure impartiality. They allege that local police officers could influence the investigation due to the involvement of a serving sub-inspector.

Meanwhile, both accused — Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane and software engineer Prashant Bankar — have been produced before the Phaltan Sessions Court and remanded to police custody till October 30.

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Counterclaims from Accused’s Family

In a surprising counter-narrative, Bankar’s family claimed that the deceased doctor had been harassing him emotionally after he rejected her marriage proposal. His sister alleged that the doctor had treated her brother for dengue and later insisted he marry her. “When he refused, she became upset and repeatedly contacted him,” the sister told Bharat Details.

Police sources confirmed that chats and call records between the two reveal frequent communication. The accused’s family insists that he was cooperative and surrendered voluntarily after being contacted by authorities.

Prior Complaints Ignored

Records show that the doctor had earlier complained to the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) in June, alleging that she was being pressured to falsify medical reports and declare certain accused persons “fit” for custody. Among the names mentioned in her letter was PSI Gopal Badane. Despite her repeated complaints, no strong action was taken, forcing her to file an RTI application in August seeking updates on her grievances.

A month later, the same police officials accused her of “non-cooperation” and “issuing false unfit certificates,” further intensifying her workplace stress.

Political Angle Surfaces

The case has now taken a political turn after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve revealed that the deceased doctor had mentioned former BJP MP Ranjitsinh Naik Nimbalkar and MLA Sachin Patil in her earlier letters, alleging they exerted pressure on her to alter medical reports.
However, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later stated that both leaders had been given a “clean chit,” sparking criticism from the opposition.

“How can the chief minister declare someone innocent before the investigation concludes?” Danve questioned, demanding transparency in the probe.

Allegations of False Postmortem Reports

In another shocking twist, a woman named Bhagyashree Maruti Pachangne from Satara claimed her daughter’s postmortem report was falsified by the same doctor, possibly under official pressure. She alleged her daughter, Deepali Maruti, had not died a natural death but the report said otherwise. Pachangne’s accusation has intensified calls for a broader inquiry into corruption and coercion in medical documentation within the district.

What Police Say

Responding to the allegations, police officials said the deceased doctor was “uncooperative” and “refused to conduct medical examinations at night.” They also cited personal conflicts between her and Bankar as possible contributing factors to her mental distress.

However, the family insists the pressure from law enforcement and political figures ultimately pushed her to take the extreme step.

Arrests and Investigation Status

Both PSI Gopal Badane and Prashant Bankar have been booked under sections of rape and abetment to suicide under the Indian Penal Code. Badane has been suspended from duty pending the investigation. Police officials have also retrieved multiple chat records and personal letters as evidence.

The deceased doctor, who hailed from Beed district in Marathwada, was cremated at her native village in Wadwani tehsil. Her colleagues have demanded stricter protection for government doctors, citing increasing incidents of workplace harassment and political pressure in rural hospitals.

Suicide Prevention Note

Discussing suicides can be distressing. If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out to helplines such as Sumaitri (011-23389090) or Sneha Foundation (044-24640050) for free and confidential support.