The tragic and disturbing case of a female doctor’s alleged suicide in Maharashtra has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting a forceful statement from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has decried the incident as ‘institutional murder’ and demanded justice. The doctor was found hanging in a hotel room, with circumstances pointing to foul play. Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane, previously suspended and a fugitive, has surrendered and been arrested. He is accused of repeatedly raping the doctor, allegedly driving her to commit suicide.
This arrest follows that of Prashant Bankar, the son of the deceased doctor’s landlord, who was taken into custody on Saturday. Bankar faces charges of relentless mental harassment against the doctor. Her suicide note and a final message on her palm explicitly named both Badane and Bankar, detailing their alleged roles in her tragic end.
Rahul Gandhi powerfully articulated his outrage on social media, describing the doctor’s plight as a consequence of ‘rape and harassment,’ a ‘tragedy that shakes the conscience.’ He lamented the loss of a ‘promising doctor daughter’ who became a victim of a ‘corrupt system’ and ‘power structure.’ Gandhi further alleged that elements within the system, including ‘influential individuals associated with the BJP,’ pressured her to engage in corrupt activities. He unequivocally stated, ‘This is not a suicide—it is an institutional murder,’ condemning the ‘criminally protected ideology.’ Gandhi pledged his support and that of his party to the victim’s family, demanding justice and an end to the fear faced by women in India.
Investigations reveal that the doctor, a government medical officer at Phaltan sub-district hospital, had endured intense suffering for over five months, as detailed in her suicide note. She accused Sub-Inspector Badane of multiple acts of rape and Bankar of severe mental harassment. Crucially, her note implicated a Member of Parliament (MP) and his associates for pressuring her to alter medical reports for accused persons. Despite lodging 21 complaints previously, the doctor reported no effective action was taken. The note also documented threats from an MP for refusing to provide a false medical certificate.
Police have initiated legal proceedings against both accused under relevant IPC sections. A comprehensive investigation is currently underway, focusing on the grave allegations of rape and harassment, as well as the potential involvement of political figures. Authorities are committed to a transparent and thorough inquiry to ensure justice is served.