The tragic death of a 29-year-old female doctor in Satara, Maharashtra, has emerged as a deeply concerning case involving allegations of sexual assault, emotional abuse, and police conflicts. The medical officer at a government hospital in Phaltan was discovered dead by suicide in a hotel room on Thursday night. Prior to her death, she inscribed a message on her palm in Marathi, accusing two individuals — Phaltan City police sub-inspector Gopal Badane and her landlord’s son, Prashant Bankar. The note claimed that Badane had raped her four times, while Bankar had subjected her to prolonged physical and mental abuse. Both men are now in police custody.
Investigations indicated that the doctor and Bankar, a software engineer, had been involved in a romantic relationship that had soured in recent months. Police reports suggest the relationship faltered after she proposed marriage and he declined. Bankar’s family, however, refuted claims of harassment, asserting that the doctor was emotionally unstable and had threatened to harm herself. Further investigations revealed a familial connection between the doctor and sub-inspector Badane, who was previously accused by her of coercing her to issue fitness certificates for detainees and threatening her when she refused. Despite her numerous complaints to senior health officials, no action appears to have been taken.
In contrast, the police alleged that the doctor often neglected her responsibilities, causing delays in medical examinations and arrest procedures, and accused her of issuing unjustified “unfit” certificates, leading to tensions with local officers. In August 2025, prior to her death, she submitted a four-page statement warning that if anything were to happen to her, the police should be held responsible. She asserted that she faced intimidation and political pressure for not acquiescing to police demands. Health officials stated they had not received any formal complaints, although her written testimony is part of the ongoing investigation. This tragedy has ignited public outrage and raised critical questions about police accountability, workplace harassment, and the safety of women in public service.