Maharashtra doctor's suicide takes shocking turn; MP accused of pressurizing
What's the story
The tragic suicide of a 28-year-old doctor in Satara, Maharashtra, has taken a shocking turn. According to PTI, the doctor had accused a Member of Parliament (MP) of pressuring her over a fitness certificate for an arrested person. According to reports, the certificate was crucial for the police to take the individual into custody. The doctor was allegedly targeted due to her roots in the Beed district.
Discovery
Doctor was on contract
The doctor, who was working at the Phaltan subdistrict hospital, was discovered hanging in a hotel room on Thursday evening. Media reports cited the police as saying that she had checked into the hotel near her workplace late Wednesday night, as her rented home was far away. Hotel staff found her body after she failed to respond to knocks on her door.
Allegations
Case of abetment of suicide filed
In a note found on her palm, the doctor accused sub-inspector Gopal Badane of repeated sexual assault and software engineer Prashant Bankar, who is the son of her landlord, of mental harassment. A case of abetment of suicide has been filed against both. She had also alleged that she was being pressured to change post-mortem and medical reports by police officials and was taunted over crimes in her home district.
Investigation
Sub-inspector absconding
The sub-inspector is currently absconding. Inspector General Sunil Phulari told The Times of India, "We have suspended him and formed a special team to trace and arrest him and the other suspect." The fallout has resulted in political leaders calling for a swift investigation into the matter. Nationalist Congress Party leader Dhananjay Munde demanded a special investigation team (SIT) and a fast-track trial.
Legal action
Complaints led to FIRs being filed
Satara superintendent of police Tushar Doshi confirmed that the doctor's complaints and evidence, such as WhatsApp messages, led to FIRs being filed under sections 64 (rape) and 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A panel is also being formed by the civil surgeon to see if hospital superiors acted on her complaints. Civil surgeon Yuvraj Karape said she had joined on contract, nearing her second 11-month term.