Mumbai, Oct 24 (NationPress) The tragic demise of a female doctor, reportedly by suicide in a government hospital situated in the Phaltan region of Maharashtra’s Satara district, has ignited fierce responses from political leaders across the spectrum. The victim left behind a note on her palm, where she accused a police officer of rape and sexual harassment over a span of five months.

Ramraje Nimbalkar, former Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council and a senior leader of the NCP, stated, “This incident has brought shame to Phaltan. It is widely known what caused this tragedy. A review of the Call Detail Records (CDR) will provide clarity.”

He urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to initiate a high-level investigation. Nimbalkar, who is from Phaltan, expressed his sorrow over the doctor’s suicide, adding, “I don’t want to blame anyone outright. There have been instances where government officials sought postings in Phaltan.”

Dhananjay Munde, a former minister and NCP member, called for an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case and advocated for a fast-track judicial process for the perpetrators. He intends to write to the Chief Minister regarding this matter.

The situation surrounding the female doctor, who hailed from Vadwani in Beed district and was serving in Phaltan, is profoundly tragic. “My deepest condolences to her family. If her concerns were overlooked due to her community or origin, this is a serious issue,” he stated.

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar remarked, “The police's role is to ensure safety, but if they are the ones exploiting a female doctor, how can justice prevail? Why was no action taken when she previously reported her ordeal? The Mahayuti government consistently protects the police, leading to an escalation in their misdeeds.”

Wadettiwar also emphasized, “Merely ordering an inquiry is insufficient. Those police officers named in the doctor’s suicide note must be dismissed to prevent interference with the investigation. Why wasn’t her prior complaint taken seriously? Those who ignored it and shielded the accused must also face consequences. Until accountability is established, police misconduct will persist.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve criticized the state government, commenting, “The suspects in the Phaltan suicide case are evading arrest, followed by the Chief Minister's call for ‘strict’ measures. The suicide of a woman from Marathwada, who faced numerous challenges, highlights the failure of those meant to protect her. We demand an independent inquiry committee with officers from outside Satara district.”

Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women's Commission, noted that the Commission has acknowledged the incident. “A case has been registered at the Phaltan City Police Station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A team has been formed to apprehend the absconding suspects, Gopal Badne and Prashant Bankar.”

In her suicide note, the victim claimed that police officer Gopal Badane raped her multiple times over five months and also cited another individual, Prashant Bankar, for mental harassment. The 28-year-old doctor, who was employed at a government hospital in Phaltan, was originally from Beed district.

In response to the incident, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who oversees the Home Department, contacted the Satara Superintendent of Police and directed the immediate suspension of the police officers mentioned in the doctor's note. The Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that stringent actions would be enforced against all accused parties.

However, family members of the victim have raised concerns about foul play. “There was significant police and political pressure on her regarding a false autopsy report. She attempted to file a complaint about it. Justice must be served,” asserted a relative.