'Kill That Woman': FIR Against Maharashtra Doctor For 'Ordering' COVID Patient’s Death During Pandemic

The police have registered an FIR against Dr. Shashikant Deshpande, a senior government hospital doctor, following allegations that he instructed a colleague to "kill" a COVID-19 patient during the 2021 pandemic peak. The incident took place at Udgir Government Hospital in Latur district, officials confirmed on Thursday.

An audio clip that recently surfaced on social media reportedly captures a conversation between Dr. Deshpande, who was then the additional district surgeon at the hospital, and Dr. Shashikant Dange, who was posted at a COVID-19 care centre. The clip dates back to 2021, when hospitals were overwhelmed and medical resources were scarce.

The patient in question, Kausar Fatima, wife of Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin (53), was admitted to the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19. She later recovered and was discharged. In the audio, Dr. Deshpande is allegedly heard instructing, "Don't allow anyone to go inside, just kill that Dayami woman." Dr. Dange responds cautiously, noting that oxygen support had already been reduced.

Following a complaint by Gaussoddin, the Udgir city police registered a case against Dr. Deshpande on May 24 under provisions related to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, along with other charges. Police have seized Deshpande’s mobile phone and are recording his statement, Inspector Dilip Gade told PTI. The police are also verifying the authenticity of the audio clip.

Dr. Dange has also been issued a notice. "He is out of district and will come tomorrow. After that, we will collect his mobile phone and conduct an inquiry," said Inspector Gade. According to the FIR, Fatima was admitted as an inpatient on April 15, 2021, at a COVID-19 treatment centre managed by the hospital on Nanded Road. The complainant stated that around the seventh day of admission, while sitting beside Dr. Dange, the doctor received a call from Dr. Deshpande, which was put on speaker. During this call, Dr. Deshpande inquired about bed availability and was informed there were none. The complainant claims he distinctly heard Dr. Deshpande say, "Kill the Dayami patient. You're used to dealing with such people," along with caste-based slurs.

Gaussoddin said he was shocked by the remarks but remained silent at the time to avoid jeopardizing his wife’s treatment. Fatima eventually recovered and was discharged after ten days. However, the resurfacing of the audio clip on social media on May 2, 2025, deeply hurt Gaussoddin, particularly due to the alleged caste-related derogatory comments, prompting him to file the police complaint.

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