Maharashtra doctor was forced to make fake postmortem reports, alleges cousin after suicide

After the tragic suicide of a Maharashtra woman doctor sent shockwaves across the country, the victim's cousin alleged that she was under pressure from police and politicians to make fake postmortem reports.

The doctor, who hanged herself in a hotel room on Phaltan, Satara district, on Thursday night, hailed from Beed district. She was the only resident medical officer at the hospital in Phaltan. The woman left a suicide note on her palm, accusing Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne of raping her over five months and another police personnel, identified as Prashant Bankar, of mentally harassing her.

Seeking justice for the victim, the doctor's cousin told ANI, "There was a lot of police and political pressure on her last year. She was being pressured to make fake postmortem reports. She had written a letter to the DCP to complain, but they didn't do anything."

He added that even when a patient was not admitted to the hospital, she was being forced to issue a fit and fine report.

Despite writing a letter to the Superintendent of Police and Deputy Superintendent of Police, no action was taken, revealed the cousin.

Another relative said the doctor was harassed by seniors at work.

Slamming the Mahayuti government, Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar alleged that the government is protecting the police and that ordering an inquiry is not enough. "When the protector becomes the predator! The duty of the police is to protect, but if they themselves are exploiting a female doctor, how will justice be served? Why was no action taken when this girl had previously lodged a complaint?" he posted on X.

"Why was her earlier complaint not taken seriously? Those who ignored it and those who shielded these police officers should face action. Until action is taken against the police, police atrocities will not be curbed," he added.

BJP MLC and State Women President Chitra Wagh said the accused will be arrested soon. "It has also come to our notice that the doctor had raised a complaint but no action was taken. Everything will be investigated in the case," she added.  

India