Tragedy has struck Phaltan in Maharashtra with the suicide of a woman doctor, who reportedly implicated a police sub-inspector in a note left behind. The doctor, a healthcare professional at the local sub-district hospital, died Thursday night, her final words accusing Inspector Gopal Badne of rape and severe mistreatment over several months, as written on her palm. The accused police official has been suspended from duty.
The note details alleged repeated sexual assaults and the resulting physical and mental anguish suffered by the doctor. Law enforcement has registered a case against Badne and another individual, citing charges of rape and abetment to suicide. The district police have committed to a rigorous investigation and assured that all necessary actions will be taken to address this grave offense.
Adding a critical dimension to the case, the doctor had previously filed a written complaint in June detailing harassment by officers of the Phaltan Rural Police Department. The subsequent lack of substantial action on her complaint has drawn sharp rebukes from political leaders, who are questioning the effectiveness of protective mechanisms for women and criticizing the perceived impunity enjoyed by some law enforcement personnel.
The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has now stepped in, taking cognizance of the incident and directing a comprehensive review of the doctor’s prior complaint and any lapses in procedure. An FIR has been lodged, and law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the two individuals, Gopal Badne and Prashant Bankar, who are reportedly on the run.