A woman doctor employed at a government hospital in Satara district, Maharashtra, was found dead in a hotel room on Thursday night in an apparent suicide.
In a harrowing revelation, she left a note written on her palm, accusing Police Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane of raping her repeatedly over the past five months. She also named Prashant Bankar for mental harassment.
Following the incident, the police registered a case of rape and abetment to suicide. Both accused are currently absconding, and the police have launched a manhunt. The officer has been suspended, and forensic analysis of the suicide note is underway.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also heads the Home Department, ordered immediate suspension and directed stringent action against the accused.
The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has demanded accountability for prior inaction and urged a thorough investigation.
Opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar condemned the Mahayuti government, alleging systemic protection of police misconduct and questioning the lack of response to the victim’s earlier complaints.
The post-mortem and forensic findings are expected to play a crucial role in the legal proceedings.
