A shocking incident from Maharashtra’s Satara district has sent shockwaves through the medical and administrative community. A woman doctor, identified as Dr. Sampada Munde, who served as a Medical Officer at Phaltan Sub-District Hospital, died by suicide on Thursday.
According to reports, Dr. Munde had been under immense stress for the past few months due to an ongoing dispute between the police and the health department. The disagreement reportedly stemmed from a medical examination-related case, following which she had a confrontation with police officials. Subsequently, a departmental inquiry was initiated against her, which added to her mental distress.
Suicide Note Reveals Shocking Allegations
Dr. Munde’s suicide note has exposed horrifying details. She reportedly wrote names and accusations directly on her palm using a pen. The message read:
“The reason for my death is Police Inspector Gopal Badane. He raped me four times. Prashant Bankar had been harassing me mentally and physically for more than five months.”
Following these revelations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the immediate suspension of the accused officers and directed a high-level investigation into the case.
Previous Complaints Ignored
Records show that Dr. Munde had previously written to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Phaltan on June 19, stating that she was being harassed by local police officials. In her letter, she had warned that if the harassment continued, she might be forced to take her own life.
Her relatives also revealed that Dr. Munde was being pressured to alter post-mortem reports. One family member said:
“She used to tell us that some officers were forcing her to change medical reports. She complained to the DYSP, but no action was taken. She was under extreme stress and repeatedly said that if this continued, she would end her life.”
Another relative added that Dr. Munde had also written to the Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) expressing that her life was in danger. Despite this, no action followed. Upon her death, two names—Inspector Gopal Badane and Prashant Bankar—were found clearly written on her palm.
Government and Police Response
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavishas sought a detailed report from the Satara SP and ordered the suspension of all officers named in the complaint. He assured that the culprits will face strict legal consequences.
The Maharashtra State Women’s Commission has also taken cognizance of the case and directed Satara Police to arrest the accused officers immediately. Meanwhile, Phaltan City Police have registered a case under Sections 64(2)(N) and 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Search teams have been deployed to locate the absconding officers Gopal Badane and Prashant Bankar.
